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Lieutenant Jamla Rizek
"Caring for others during some of the hardest, most challenging times in their life."
As a first-generation Palestinian American, I have been blessed with opportunities my parents never had and a younger me never would have dreamed of.
This encourages me to be the best version of myself in hopes that I can inspire others to follow paths that seem impossible and to be a role model for future generations. My goal in life is to make an impact in the lives of those I meet, care for, and serve alongside by listening, advocating, and supporting them. I can think of no better career path to achieve these goals than by being a nurse and providing public service.
I currently serve in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS), as part of the Public Health Emergency Response Strike Team (PHERST). This team is “first on the ground” and is available to deploy immediately (within 8 hours) at the request of the President, the Secretary of Health, the Assistant Secretary for Health, or the Surgeon General to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our Nation. The best part of my career has been the emotional gratitude I feel from the people I’ve worked with. It might be the feeling I get after receiving a fist bump from a child displaced during a disaster or the hug from a parent who doesn’t speak English after caring for their loved one. I enjoy caring for others during some of the hardest, most challenging times in their life. Knowing that I made an impact in their life, even if just by making them smile, will forever be worth more to me than any award or accolade.
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