Sidy

Background: OBGYN Medical Doctor, Doctorate in General Medicine and Doctorate in Gynecology and Obstetrics from University of Sciences, Technical and Technology of Bamako, Mali

Placement: Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Mass General Brigham

Learn more about the Fellowship HERE.

Three years ago, Sidy immigrated to the US in search of new opportunities to match the high expertise he had gained throughout his career in Europe and Africa. Sidy Traore is a dedicated medical professional with a strong background in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) and Oncology. He hails from Mali, where he completed his education, specializing in the screening and treatment of cervical and breast cancers. His journey in the medical field has been marked by a passion for improving women’s health, with significant experience in screening programs across Mali, Ethiopia, and other African countries. Sidy worked as the lead for cervical and breast cancer screening at Gabriel Toure Hospital in Mali and had the opportunity to contribute to health initiatives in France and Ethiopia.

After finishing his residency in 2021, Sidy made the life-changing decision to move to the US, encouraged by the opportunity of a green card and the chance to expand his career. Sidy’s biggest challenge was facing the limiting reality of what it means to be a skilled immigrant in the US. Sidy felt unseen in this new system. He was expected to retake medical exams he had already done as early as 2006. 

“It hurt my confidence for my talent to be applicable and it felt like I was sent back to school all over again,” Sidy shared.

 His sister, who had immigrated to the US prior, and attended pharmacy school, told Sidy about ABN. Sidy felt that ABN’s message spoke to him. The mission of the fellowship resonated deeply with Sidy, and he recognized it as a critical opportunity to rebuild his career and connect with a community of professionals who understood his background.

As a general medical doctor, Sidy found it relatively easy to adapt. One of the key highlights was the mentorship from his manager, who was the first to have a fellow under her mentorship and took extra care to teach him as much as possible. This partnership enabled Sidy to work across various departments, gaining valuable insight and expanding his professional network in the US. Many skilled immigrants have the competency, but without the right leadership, the potential to grow can fade away with time. 

“ABN is a door to integrate into the US workforce. No one will listen to you if you haven’t built professional connections with others. The resources that ABN offers give you one last chance to use your talent to make an impact,” Sidy affirmed.

Sidy additionally stressed that having confidence in one’s abilities and leveraging the resources available through such programs is essential for overcoming the barriers faced in a new professional environment. 

Sidy’s journey exemplified resilience, perseverance, and the power of community. 

“As medical doctors we save lives, but ABN saved many lives in a different way,” Sidy said.

Sidy strives to be an ABN ambassador and believes the founders of this program are uplifting humanity in ways that can’t be measured with words.