Date published: October 1, 2025
October Fellow Spotlight: Omar Mourad, MD
In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Omar Mourad, MD, a Rheumatology fellow at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Mourad to learn more about his clinical and research interests, why he chose UMass Chan for his fellowship, and why Lebanon is his favorite place to travel!
Hometown?
Ghazze, West Beqaa, Lebanon
What are your clinical and research interests?
As I begin my fellowship, I approach rheumatology with an open mind and a focus on the constantly evolving nature of the field, aiming to bridge clinical care with emerging research. I’m also interested in how patients access care both in the US and internationally, and in staying up to date with advances in the field. This interest was reinforced by my global health work in Guyana during residency, where I saw firsthand the challenges of providing rheumatology care in resource-limited settings.
Why did you choose UMass Chan for your fellowship?
I chose UMass Chan because of the strong emphasis on mentorship and the collaborative culture within the division. During the interview process, I was impressed by how supportive the faculty were, how invested they are in fellows’ growth, and how comfortable and happy the current fellows seemed in the program.
Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight?
I’m excited to get involved in teaching residents and medical students, and I’m also interested in contributing to quality improvement projects within the Division of Rheumatology. Beyond the hospital, I’m always looking for opportunities to connect with community initiatives.
Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation, and why?
My favorite place to travel is Lebanon, my home country. Going back allows me to reconnect with family and friends, and there’s nothing like enjoying the food and the familiar atmosphere there. I also like to sneak in a vacation to Europe when I can; the views in Switzerland remain unbeatable.
Favorite guilty pleasure snack?
Chili & Lime-Flavored Tortilla Chips from Trader Joe’s.
What is your go-to board game?
Jakaroo — it’s fast-paced, strategic, and keeps everyone on their toes. I also like Monopoly, mainly for the laughs when friendly competition inevitably gets a little intense.
In your spare time, what TV show do you binge?
Probably Family Guy or Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
What do you like to do for fun outside of fellowship?
Outside of fellowship, you can usually find me watching movies or tennis (mostly reminiscing about the Big Three), exploring a new restaurant, or training for a marathon, which is something I’ve recently gotten into.