Nurse Practitioner (NP) Resident, Soura Alaa Mustapha, always knew she wanted to be a nurse since immigrating to the United States. As a child, Soura regularly translated for her parents at healthcare appointments; sparking an interest in what would become her healthcare career. Soura’s doctorate in nursing is a privilege, she explains, “it allows me to advocate more effectively for my patients and provide a higher level of care.” With her passion for helping others, Soura intentionally moved across Washington state from Spokane to Renton to start her career at HealthPoint because “I strongly resonate with their mission and the healthcare they provide to underserved communities. HealthPoint's commitment to offering essential resources to diverse populations aligns with my values and professional goals.”
Soura’s learning journey at HealthPoint is always supported by the residency preceptors and providers, who play important roles in her growth as she gains more confidence and knowledge as a nurse practitioner. According to Soura, her takeaways from the program include, “…learning the importance of community health, which starts with understanding the resources available to me. My mentors have been incredibly accessible, answering all my questions, guiding me in finding resources, and always encouraging me to keep learning and growing every day.”
Soura’s clinical areas of interest in Refugee Care and Substance Use Disorder were influenced by her personal and professional journey. Her special interest in Refugee Care stemmed from her personal experience, “I witnessed firsthand the challenges my parents and siblings faced in navigating the U.S. healthcare system, especially with the language barrier. As a provider who speaks Arabic, I hope to pay it forward by helping my patients access the care they need while offering a safe and supportive space for them.” Soura grew an interest in Substance Use Disorder Care as well after previously working at a methadone clinic. Her time at that clinic truly taught her about the complexities of the disorder and how important medication-assisted treatment is in the recovery process. She explains, “I saw how factors like trauma, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare can perpetuate substance use disorders. This experience motivated me to continue my education while working at the methadone clinic.”
Life post-residency will involve Soura continuing her work as a primary care provider while learning from her peers as she sets roots down in Renton to serve the community in health care.
Learn more about HealthPoint's Nurse Practitioner Residency Program here.