Honorary Alumna

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  Dr. Huda Zoghbi

  With more than 30 years of experience in the medical world, Dr. Huda Zoghbi still considers her time as a St. John’s parent as the most beneficial and grateful experience for herself and her family. Former SJS Trustee and mother to ROULA ZOGHBI SMITH ’03 and ANTHONY ZOGHBI ’05, Huda believes the values from St. John’s have made not only a deep impact on her family as a whole but also on her work as a leading figure in the field of neurogenetics. 

   

  Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Huda says her childhood was very simple as she lived in what was once a serene and beautiful country. She gives thanks to her parents for constantly pushing her towards education. Huda loved school growing up and was always encouraged to study and express her literary appeals (her dad had a library with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books that constantly grasped her attention). When the time came, Huda enrolled in the American University of Beirut where she majored in Liberal Arts. Due to a love of reading, Huda was pulled towards majoring in English Literature but it was her mother who encouraged her to pursue science and medicine. After taking the pre-med requisites she enrolled in the medical school at American University. 

   

  Dr. Zoghbi initially thought she would specialize in cardiology but it was Marvin Fishman, the former chief of neurology at Texas Children’s, whom she credits for inspiring her to pursue neurology. She claims her field is a merge of three: neurogenetics (a combination of genetics, neuroscience, and neurology), neuroscience, and neurology. “We use genetics to understand the causes of neurological disorders and find ways to help patients with these disorders. When I started there was no field like this, and I was lucky to combine my background and education to shape a career into this field.” As for the progress that has been made she says, “In the 30 plus years that I have been in this field, it has evolved from finding the causes of such diseases to designing and implementing useful treatments. To me the era of therapeutics for neurological disorders is here!” 

   

  It is her patients who inspire Dr. Zoghbi in her everyday endeavors. She also expresses how much St. John’s impacted her personally and the many ways the community has also impacted her career. 

   

  “I look back and think, ‘how did I manage this career with two children?’ Knowing that my children were receiving the best education while learning things outside the home that complement the principles being taught in the home, that kept me from worrying about them while I focused on my work.” Dr. Zoghbi gives thanks to the families and friendships her family made during their St. John’s tenure who still play significant roles in their lives today. “My family and I made life relationships through St. John’s that we consider like family. It is incredible, and I could not imagine having never formed those relationships. That is how you get by in life.” 
  
  

  We look forward to welcoming Dr. Zoghbi back to campus in May as the Class of 2024 Commencement speaker. As for her reflection upon receiving the Honorary Alumna Award,“To me, I am deeply honored to get this award but having been part of the SJS community, that is the greatest gift. Our children and our family are always considered blessed by our SJS experience. We are very grateful.”