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Welcome Our New Fellow: Bayan Alquran, MD

By Lynn McCain | September 17

“Prioritize what matters and give each its time, ask for help when needed, and be kind to yourself. Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. Finding balance is a lifelong journey.”

Tell us about your background so we can get to know you.

Alquran, Bayan 2025 500x500 (1).jpgI grew up in Jordan, where I attended Hashemite University Medical School, before moving to the United States with my husband, Alharith. I completed my clinical pathology residency at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. I am currently a fellow in blood banking and transfusion medicine at the University of Michigan.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children, Hashim and Aya. Living in Ann Arbor has been a wonderful experience thus far, offering the cultural and recreational experiences of a mid-sized city while maintaining a more balanced pace of life.

Bayan Alquran on Residency Graduation day with her husband Alharith, son Hashim, and daughter AyaWhat motivated you to pursue a medical career?

Helping people is certainly a core motivation, but what also drew me to medicine is the diversity of specialties and career paths it offers. I had many family members and friends who each found their own place in medicine and seeing that encouraged me to pursue this path as well. I’ve always valued thoughtful work and the chance to make a lasting difference in people’s quality of life, and medicine provides exactly that while allowing me to grow into a specialty that best fits me.

How did you decide on Pathology?

My interest in pathology began during medical school when my older sister was completing her pathology residency. I remember being drawn to her textbooks and fascinated by how much could be learned from a single slide. Talking with her about her daily routine and the kinds of cases she encountered helped me see the depth of the pathology field, but also how well it suited me. That confirmed pathology was the right specialty for me.

Why did you choose your subspecialty? 

I chose transfusion medicine because it offers a unique opportunity to bridge clinical knowledge with laboratory expertise. You not only work behind the scenes ensuring the safety and compatibility of blood products, but you also have direct clinical interactions, whether it’s managing complex transfusion reactions, supporting patients with massive hemorrhage, or guiding therapies like apheresis. That balance of laboratory problem-solving and patient-facing care really stood out to me. Also, Transfusion medicine requires close teamwork with clinicians across multiple specialties; hematology, oncology, surgery, critical care, which makes the work both dynamic and rewarding.

Why did you decide to come to Michigan?

I chose the University of Michigan because of its reputation in transfusion medicine and the opportunity to train under faculty who are leaders in the field. For me, it was essential to be in a program that would challenge me and provide the mentorship and support I need to grow into a confident, competent attending physician. Equally important was the learning environment itself; collaborative and approachable, which allows me to focus fully on mastering complex concepts, and developing the professional habits that will shape my future career. Combined with the quality of life in Ann Arbor, this balance of rigorous training, expert guidance, and a supportive atmosphere made Michigan the ideal place to continue my fellowship.

Bayan Alquran with her husband Alharith and children Hashim and AyaTell us about your time as a fellow so far. Is there anything you would like to highlight?

Although I’ve only been a fellow for a few months, my experience at the University of Michigan has been extremely rewarding. The supportive and collaborative culture of the faculty has made a great impression on me; everyone is approachable, generous with their guidance, and genuinely invested in my growth.

What has become increasingly clear to me is the vital role we play in supporting patients across different hospital departments and assisting providers from a variety of specialties. The nurses are skilled and well-trained, and working alongside them has been inspiring. Likewise, learning from attendings has been invaluable; their mentorship and high standards are shaping not only my knowledge but also my approach to patient care and teamwork.

What brings you the most joy in your work and personally?

What brings me the most joy in my work is seeing patients stay positive and resilient, even during challenging treatments. Those moments of resilience and trust are what make my work truly meaningful.

Personally, I take great joy in my weekend nature escapes. Fortunately, there are many places in and around Ann Arbor to enjoy.

Are there any mentors you would like to mention? If so, how did they impact your life?

It’s difficult to list, because the support and guidance I’ve received have been cumulative and invaluable throughout my journey. Through school, and into my medical school and training, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors guiding me along the way. Each of them played an important role in shaping who I am today.

Bayan Alquran and family on the Huron RiverWhat is your strategy for finding balance between training and your other interests?

Balancing work, family, and self-wellbeing is challenging. I make it a priority to fully enjoy my time off and use it to recharge. I spend quality time with my family, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors. Activities like this, along with other time spent in nature, help me maintain my perspective and return to work refreshed and energized. Having this balance not only supports my well-being but also helps me stay focused, engaged, and effective at my work.

Prioritize what matters and give each its time, ask for help when needed, and be kind to yourself. Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. Finding balance is a lifelong journey.

What advice would you give medical students considering a career in pathology?

Pathology is not an easy path, but it is incredibly rewarding for those who are curious, detail-oriented, and passionate about patient care. My advice to medical students considering this field would be to maintain a positive attitude and a sense of curiosity, even when faced with challenging cases or difficult learning moments. Approach every challenge with a “I will figure it out” mindset, and use obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow.

It’s also important to work hard, stay persistent, and believe in yourself, while taking every chance to learn from mentors, peers, and hands-on experiences. Pathology offers the chance to make an impact on patient outcomes, often behind the scenes.

What are some fun facts about you that we could share?

Juggling my fellowship and motherhood keeps me on my toes. I try to find balance with outdoor family and friends’ activities, and occasional thrills. I did skydiving once, and it was a thrill! Other than that, biking with my family is my hobby. Ann Arbor has plenty of biking trails for us to explore.

 
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