Bioengineering senior gives back through a Morocco clinic internship

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Although she was born in the United States, George Mason University senior Meriam Belainass feels a special connection to Morocco. So much so that she's had two summer internships there. Belainass, who visits Morocco every year to reconnect with her close-knit community of extended family and friends, recently interned at Clinique Al Madina in Casablanca.

"I've always wanted to be in the medical field," said Belainass, who is majoring in bioengineering in the College of Engineering and Computing. "Interning in Morocco has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I also interned at a Moroccan clinic last summer and the fact that I'm able to continue to contribute to my community in this way is really special."

Meriam Belainass interning at Clinique Al Madina in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo provided.

During her visit last summer, Belainass completed a biomedical engineering internship at Sheikh Zaid Hospital in Casablanca, where she gained experience with medical equipment and hospital operations.

At the clinic, Belainass observed preventive maintenance procedures and ensured devices were safe and ready for patient care by inspecting, maintaining, and troubleshooting medical equipment, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scanners, ultrasound systems, patient monitors, ventilators, infusion pumps, and electrocardiogram machines.

"This opportunity has strengthened my technical ability, broadened my perspective on health care, and reinforced my commitment to improving patient care through medical technology," said Belainass, who plans to complete her master's in George Mason's Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's Program.

In addition to working with hospital equipment, she also gained experience with beauty center technologies such as Derma View, Alma IQ, high intensity focused ultrasounds, and Pico Laser systems.

Belainass, who has a concentration in imaging and devices, said the internship has given her insight into a different health care system while strengthening both her technical and professional skills.

"During this internship, I helped ensure medical equipment is safe, accurate, and reliable, supporting health care professionals in providing effective patient care," said Belainass. "The skills I'm developing are invaluable, and I know I'll take them with me throughout my medical career."

Belainass's greatest strength is her genuine passion for learning, according to her mentor and supervisor at Clinique Al Madina, biomedical engineer Fatima Zahra Fakhrouni.

Meriam Belainass interning at Clinique Al Madina in Casablanca, Morocco. Photo provided.

"Meriam adapted to the clinical environment really quickly," said Fakhrouni. "Her commitment to understanding the equipment and taking on new challenges was particularly impressive. This kind of mindset will undoubtedly serve her well throughout her career."

Belainass continues to build an impressive academic and professional resumé outside of this internship as well.

Before transferring to George Mason, she earned two associate degrees from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)-one in architecture and one in engineering. She's currently on track to complete a third associate degree in computer science from NOVA this fall.

"I was surprised by how much biomedical engineers contribute behind the scenes to keep medical equipment functioning safely and efficiently," she said. "I learned that attention to detail, teamwork, and preventive maintenance are essential for ensuring patient safety and reliable health care technology."

For students interested in a similar path, Belainass encourages them to seek out as many hands-on opportunities as they can.

"Take advantage of internships and study-abroad opportunities," she said. "Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to build technical skills, gain confidence, and prepare for a career in biomedical engineering."

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