Graduate Archer Fellowship Program Alumni Profiles
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Mohanad Albayyaa
Summer 2023 Graduate Archer Fellow Internship: Accurate Clinical Management Education Al-Nahrain University Doctor of Medicine, July 2010 The University of Texas Medical Branch Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Science, May 2025 Career Clinical Researcher and Doctoral Candidate at UT Medical Branch |
"The Graduate Archer Fellowship not only enriched my knowledge but also inspired me to take an active role in shaping health policy to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations."
Q & A with Mohanad
Please tell us more about your current position.
As a clinical researcher, I focus on health outcomes in cancer populations, particularly prostate cancer. My research primarily investigates the effectiveness and safety of hormonal therapy (ADT) and its long-term impacts on patients' quality of life and survival rates. I work closely with real-world data and apply advanced research designs, such as target trial emulation, to better understand patient outcomes. In addition to research, I teach as an adjunct faculty member, mentor students, and collaborate on projects within the internal medicine department at UTMB. One of my ongoing projects involves evaluating patterns of care and improving treatment approaches for cancer survivors.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
One of the key components of my work during my Archer Fellowship Program internship involved building a lupus registry to track patterns of diagnosis and care among cancer survivors who had undergone hormonal therapy. By analyzing this data, we aimed to better understand the relationship between cancer treatments and the onset of autoimmune diseases. My project specifically focused on the increased risk of autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, that can be triggered by treatments like androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) used in prostate cancer management. My experience in the Fellowship strengthened my understanding of how health policies can shape research initiatives and improve patient outcomes. It also allowed me to collaborate with policymakers and healthcare professionals to advocate for better screening guidelines and care coordination for cancer survivors at risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
What has been your general career path?
My career path has been shaped by my training as a physician and my passion for clinical research. After earning my medical degree, I transitioned into a role as a physician-scientist, where my primary focus has been investigating patient outcomes, particularly in cancer populations. I have dedicated much of my work to understanding how treatments, such as hormonal and immunotherapies, impact the quality of life and long-term survival rates of patients, especially those from underserved and underrepresented communities. In addition to research, I am committed to translating these findings into actionable policies that can have a broader impact on population health. By advocating for changes in healthcare policies and treatment guidelines, my goal is to improve access to better care and support for vulnerable populations. I believe that research can drive meaningful change in communities, and I strive to ensure that my work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also leads to real-world improvements in health equity and outcomes.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
My experience as an Archer Fellow has significantly influenced my career path and goals by providing valuable insights and opportunities to connect my research with real-world health policy impacts. During the Fellowship, I had the opportunity to work on projects addressing critical issues, such as prior authorizations for hormonal therapy in cancer survivors and the impact of changes in treatment guidelines. This experience reinforced my commitment to addressing health disparities, particularly in underserved and underrepresented communities. The Fellowship also deepened my understanding of the importance of translating research findings into actionable policies. I learned how to effectively advocate for changes that can improve healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations. This has inspired me to pursue a career that not only focuses on clinical research but also emphasizes policy advocacy, enabling me to bridge the gap between research and policy and positively impact community health.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
What I valued most about my Archer Fellowship experience was the unique opportunity to merge my research interests with real-world health policy applications. The Fellowship allowed me to engage with critical issues directly affecting patients, particularly in underserved communities. Additionally, the mentorship and networking opportunities provided through the program were instrumental in shaping my professional development. Collaborating with experienced professionals and my cohort helped refine my advocacy skills and gain a broader perspective on the healthcare landscape. Overall, the Archer Fellowship not only enriched my knowledge but also inspired me to take an active role in shaping health policy to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
What do you value the most about being an alumnus?
What I value most about being an Archer Fellow alum is the ongoing support from the Archer Center team and the sense of belonging within the Archer Fellowship Alumni Association. The guidance and resources provided have been invaluable in my journey, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. I deeply appreciate the support, which has empowered me to focus on my goals and aspirations. Being an alum inspires me to give back to the Archer Fellowship Program and support future Archer Fellows. I am committed to paying it forward, ensuring that others have the same opportunities that have positively influenced my path. The camaraderie among fellow alums fosters a shared dedication to creating impactful change, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute to that mission.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
One of my favorite memories as an Archer Fellow was our regular meetings at Ebenezers Coffeehouse. Those gatherings provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with my colleagues and the Archer Center team before heading off to our internships. The conversations we shared were not only inspiring but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among us. It was a great way to start the day, and I truly valued the friendships and insights gained during those mornings.
Please tell us more about your current position.
As a clinical researcher, I focus on health outcomes in cancer populations, particularly prostate cancer. My research primarily investigates the effectiveness and safety of hormonal therapy (ADT) and its long-term impacts on patients' quality of life and survival rates. I work closely with real-world data and apply advanced research designs, such as target trial emulation, to better understand patient outcomes. In addition to research, I teach as an adjunct faculty member, mentor students, and collaborate on projects within the internal medicine department at UTMB. One of my ongoing projects involves evaluating patterns of care and improving treatment approaches for cancer survivors.
Please tell us more about your Archer Fellowship Program internship.
One of the key components of my work during my Archer Fellowship Program internship involved building a lupus registry to track patterns of diagnosis and care among cancer survivors who had undergone hormonal therapy. By analyzing this data, we aimed to better understand the relationship between cancer treatments and the onset of autoimmune diseases. My project specifically focused on the increased risk of autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, that can be triggered by treatments like androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) used in prostate cancer management. My experience in the Fellowship strengthened my understanding of how health policies can shape research initiatives and improve patient outcomes. It also allowed me to collaborate with policymakers and healthcare professionals to advocate for better screening guidelines and care coordination for cancer survivors at risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
What has been your general career path?
My career path has been shaped by my training as a physician and my passion for clinical research. After earning my medical degree, I transitioned into a role as a physician-scientist, where my primary focus has been investigating patient outcomes, particularly in cancer populations. I have dedicated much of my work to understanding how treatments, such as hormonal and immunotherapies, impact the quality of life and long-term survival rates of patients, especially those from underserved and underrepresented communities. In addition to research, I am committed to translating these findings into actionable policies that can have a broader impact on population health. By advocating for changes in healthcare policies and treatment guidelines, my goal is to improve access to better care and support for vulnerable populations. I believe that research can drive meaningful change in communities, and I strive to ensure that my work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also leads to real-world improvements in health equity and outcomes.
How has your experience as an Archer Fellow influenced your career path and goals?
My experience as an Archer Fellow has significantly influenced my career path and goals by providing valuable insights and opportunities to connect my research with real-world health policy impacts. During the Fellowship, I had the opportunity to work on projects addressing critical issues, such as prior authorizations for hormonal therapy in cancer survivors and the impact of changes in treatment guidelines. This experience reinforced my commitment to addressing health disparities, particularly in underserved and underrepresented communities. The Fellowship also deepened my understanding of the importance of translating research findings into actionable policies. I learned how to effectively advocate for changes that can improve healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations. This has inspired me to pursue a career that not only focuses on clinical research but also emphasizes policy advocacy, enabling me to bridge the gap between research and policy and positively impact community health.
What did you value the most about your Archer Fellowship Program experience?
What I valued most about my Archer Fellowship experience was the unique opportunity to merge my research interests with real-world health policy applications. The Fellowship allowed me to engage with critical issues directly affecting patients, particularly in underserved communities. Additionally, the mentorship and networking opportunities provided through the program were instrumental in shaping my professional development. Collaborating with experienced professionals and my cohort helped refine my advocacy skills and gain a broader perspective on the healthcare landscape. Overall, the Archer Fellowship not only enriched my knowledge but also inspired me to take an active role in shaping health policy to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
What do you value the most about being an alumnus?
What I value most about being an Archer Fellow alum is the ongoing support from the Archer Center team and the sense of belonging within the Archer Fellowship Alumni Association. The guidance and resources provided have been invaluable in my journey, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. I deeply appreciate the support, which has empowered me to focus on my goals and aspirations. Being an alum inspires me to give back to the Archer Fellowship Program and support future Archer Fellows. I am committed to paying it forward, ensuring that others have the same opportunities that have positively influenced my path. The camaraderie among fellow alums fosters a shared dedication to creating impactful change, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute to that mission.
What is your favorite memory as an Archer Fellow?
One of my favorite memories as an Archer Fellow was our regular meetings at Ebenezers Coffeehouse. Those gatherings provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with my colleagues and the Archer Center team before heading off to our internships. The conversations we shared were not only inspiring but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among us. It was a great way to start the day, and I truly valued the friendships and insights gained during those mornings.
