The Power of Belonging and Community: Dr. Mahnoor Liaqat's Journey from JAMP Scholar to Texas Physician
JAMP Success Story: Dr. Liaqat
The Power of Belonging and Community: Dr. Mahnoor Liaqat's Journey from JAMP Scholar to Texas Physician
At the recent JAMP Council Meeting hosted at Dell Medical School, members were moved by a powerful and heartfelt address from Dr. Mahnoor Liaqat, a former JAMP scholar who is now a practicing physician. Her story—rooted in resilience, community, and perseverance—exemplifies the long-term impact of the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) and the transformative power of early support in medical education.
A Journey Defined by Determination
Born in Pakistan, Dr. Liaqat moved to Houston at age 12 after her family sought refuge
in the United States. Growing up with limited resources and caring for chronically
ill parents, she faced challenges that could have easily derailed her dreams. With
no familial ties to medicine, she found inspiration through a high school shadowing
experience in the emergency room—where a medical scribe introduced her to the JAMP
program.
That moment planted the seed. “JAMP saw a potential in me,” she shared with the Council. “From there I became involved, and it’s been a wonderful journey.”
Finding Support, Strength, and a Head Start
Throughout her address, Dr. Liaqat reflected on how JAMP shaped both her mindset and her medical school readiness. She credited her JAMP Faculty Director with helping her understand the long road ahead and the importance of building a strong support system. “What kept me going was people saying, ‘Hey, we see you. We see potential in you.’”
The JAMP Summer Internships gave her an early look into medical school life, easing the transition. With structured MCAT prep, academic coaching, and early exposure to core courses like anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, she entered medical school with confidence. “It felt like I had a head start and knew what to expect” she recalled.
But the impact went beyond academics. During her summer internship rotations at UNT’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2018 and UT Southwestern Medical Center in 2019, she found more than training—she found community.
“Those internships helped me prepare for medical school and excel—and not just that, but I also found a wonderful community.” - Dr. Liaqat
She described the unique bonds formed with fellow JAMP scholars—many of whom shared
similar backgrounds marked by financial hardship. One especially meaningful connection
was with another scholar who, like her, had grown up as a refugee and experienced
the challenges of settling in a new country. That sense of belonging grew over time,
from interviews to match day to her wedding, where several JAMP peers were in attendance.
“The sense of JAMP community is strongest during those summer internships—and it stays
with you.” 
When it came time to choose a medical school, the in-person interviews provided her with clarity. At UT Health San Antonio, she encountered their refugee health center. This resonated deeply with her own experience. Having that exposure during the visit helped her decide to attend for school.
From Scholar to Physician
Dr. Liaqat is now a second-year internal medicine resident at Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin. Inspired by her summer internship shadowing a gastroenterologist at TCOM, she is currently applying for a fellowship in gastroenterology. “I’m so happy to be here—to stick around in Texas and serve my community,” she shared.
A Reflection of JAMP’s Mission
Following her remarks, JAMP Council Chair Dr. Cynthia Perry highlighted the significance of Dr. Liaqat’s journey: “JAMP Scholars like Dr. Liaqat embody the mission of the JAMP program and reinforce the impact that this program has on a longitudinal scale. Not only is Dr. Liaqat, like all JAMP scholars, showing others what is possible by serving as a role model to those that never dreamed about a career in medicine, but she is directly giving back to students in the state of Texas by providing mentorship to current JAMP scholars, ensuring they realize this dream is possible.”
Liliana Martinez, Assistant Director of Pathways and JAMP Coordinator at Dell Medical
School, echoed that sentiment, sharing why she recommended Dr. Liaqat as the success
story speaker: “Community and belonging are essential elements of JAMP, and Dr. Liaqat
was a powerful reminder of that for our scholars this summer. They had the unique
opportunity to shadow her during their internal medicine rotation—seeing her in that
space was representative of their shared goals and affirmation of their place in medicine.” 
JAMP Director Dr. Nina Gonzalez added, “Dr. Liaqat’s journey embodies the power of early intervention and continuous support—core pillars of JAMP. Her story shows how removing barriers and fostering opportunity transforms not only individual lives, but the future of the physician workforce in Texas.”
Looking Forward
As she looked back on her path, Dr. Liaqat also celebrated the growth of the program. “It’s so wonderful to see how much JAMP has grown,” she said. “When I applied in 2020, there were nine participating medical schools—now there are 14.”
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation, support, and investing in future healthcare leaders. Through her words and example, Dr. Liaqat continues to inspire both current scholars and the council members working to guide them forward.
About the author: The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) is a special program created by the Texas Legislature to support and encourage highly qualified, economically disadvantaged Texas resident students pursuing a medical education.
Inside Health Education
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