Graduate completes Lebanese family of physicians, scientists
by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
Benjamin Franklin once said: “There’s a place for everything and everything
in its place.”
Even if that means being last.
After
seven years of study, youngest son Tony Makhlouf will receive his dual
medical and graduate doctorate degrees from MUSC today. Here he is shown
with proud parents Maria and Antonios Makhlouf.
At least that’s the case for Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) student Tony Makhlouf. Today, he will be one of five physician-scientists who will receive a dual medical doctor and graduate doctorate degrees.
Makhlouf is the final sibling out of an extraordinary generation of physician-scientists from Lebanon. Makhlouf follows older brother, Michel, who graduated in 1999 from the MSTP program and sister, Huda, who received her doctorate in microbiology in 1998. The Makhlouf trio have been a part of MUSC campus life for about a decade.
Within his family, Makhlouf will be the last of eight siblings to receive advanced degrees. Among all of them, the Makhloufs have earned a total of 10 degrees, seven of them in medicine.
“I just thank God that my wife and I were able to be there for Tony and all of our children,” said Antonios Makhlouf. “As parents we were like sturdy stakes guiding a crop of young healthy plants. We have been blessed to see all of them grow and flourish over the years.”
Each year, MUSC’s MSTP program attracts the brightest and most talented students. The program is designed to challenge students and prepares them to become medical scientists. This year’s MSTP class will graduate the largest class of scholars since its beginning in 1984.
Falling in line with his older siblings, Makhlouf received his undergraduate degree from American University in Beruit, Lebanon, in 1993. Two years later, he was able to join Huda and Michel at MUSC.
“I was really attracted to the faculty and atmosphere at MUSC,” recalls Makhlouf. “Michel and Huda’s experience was very pleasant here.”
Throughout his seven years on campus, Makhlouf led a busy life as a student and researcher. He was named a member of the MUSC Chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) National Honor Society. He and Michel were recently praised for their technical abilities in helping to develop a web-based software program to support the organization’s annual medical jeopardy competition.
Makhlouf also followed the family example by being active in MUSC’s International Association. Like his older sister and brother, the younger Makhlouf served a term as president promoting cultural awareness and leading the group in activities to assist incoming exchange students, residents, and anyone of international ethnic origins.
“All three Makhloufs were outstanding students,” said Perry Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and medicine and director of MSTP. “They were all significant contributors to academic life at the Medical University and will be greatly missed.”
Following today’s ceremony, Makhlouf will be packing his bags to begin a five-year urology residency at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
And what advice does he give to the next generation of Makhloufs?
“I’d definitely recommend medicine and research, especially here at
MUSC,” said Makhlouf with a smile. “Beyond the people, I’ll miss the laid-back
atmosphere around campus and the charm of the Charleston area.”