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Breaking the Silence in Academia: A Call to Heal the Research Ecosystem

December 3, 2024 No Comments

December 2024

Sondos Al Sad

“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”

Jodi Picoult

It’s both frustrating and heartbreaking to witness how much of academia’s potential is wasted due to inadequate communication and the silent battles fought within its walls. Over the years, I’ve encountered countless stories of researchers—both budding and seasoned—stifled by a culture that fosters fear over collaboration, competition over trust, and hoarding over-sharing.

A common thread runs through these narratives, whether shared with me by peers, mentors, or colleagues:

  • “My efforts were not recognized.”
  • “They stole my ideas.”
  • “She never invited me to present about my own work.”
  • “Junior faculty have no respect for seniors nowadays.”
  • “Young professionals want shortcuts.”
  • “I am the expert in this field, and people should consult me for research in it.”

These statements echo a culture where the joy of discovery is overshadowed by paranoia, insecurity, and egos. Research becomes less about seeking truth and solving problems and more about protecting intellectual territory.

This begs the question: What does legacy truly mean for those who claim to serve knowledge and humanity? Is it about being remembered, amassing followers, publishing the most papers, or owning a specific discourse? And at what cost?

The weight we place on credit has become a hostage-taker, stifling collaboration and creating silos, particularly among underrepresented groups who face additional barriers. The reality becomes painfully clear in private rooms and whispered conversations: toxic mentors, competitive peers, and systemic issues push even the most passionate researchers into survival mode.

But academia doesn’t have to stay this way. Healing begins with acknowledgment.

Imagine what we could achieve if we communicated openly about our aspirations and fears—without judgment or the looming threat of intellectual theft.

Imagine an academic culture where:

  • Junior faculty feel respected for their fresh ideas.
  • Senior mentors are valued for their wisdom without being dismissive.
  • Collaboration, not competition, becomes the gold standard.
  • Researchers no longer feel the need to hoard ideas or protect folders as if their entire careers depend on them.

For those venturing into research, here are some thoughts to consider:

  1. Communicate your aspirations from the beginning.
     Define what success looks like for you, and share it with those you work with.
  2. Be teachable.
     The path you start on might evolve as you meet people who value sharing over hoarding.
  3. Invest in your mental health.
     If you find yourself constantly feeling victimized by toxic mentors, seek support from a therapist or coach. Healing will help you grow.
  4. Go far, not fast.
     Collaboration is the key to lasting impact. You can go fast alone, but you won’t go far without others.
  5. Cultivate humility.
     Scholarship and arrogance cannot coexist. True scholars are humble; arrogance is a hallmark of pseudo-intellectualism.
  6. Speak truth to power.
     Learn how to give constructive feedback, even to mentors. By rectifying scientists, we contribute to better science.
  7. Break the cycle.
     Avoid backstabbing or gossiping. Reset boundaries and recalibrate expectations to create healthier academic environments.

When we recognize that academia’s toxicity is a systemic issue, not an individual failing, we can begin to hold ourselves accountable for breaking unhealthy patterns.

#research #academia #healing_toxicity

Research is not meant to be a script for personal legacy. It is a righteous path to uncover reliable solutions and offer valid answers. It is an honor and a responsibility to contribute to this shared mission. Let’s rewrite the narrative, one honest conversation and collaborative effort at a time.

Together, we can heal academia and rediscover the joy of seeking truth.

Mental Health: Reclaiming the Language

November 8, 2024 No Comments

November 2024

Sondos Al Sad

“Stigma is a process by which the reaction of others spoils normal identity.”

Erving Goffman

When we talk about the “stigma” of mental health in the Muslim community, we often overlook a crucial factor: the healthcare landscape itself. Instead of addressing the root issues, we focus on superficial solutions, using jargon that only academic experts might find appealing.

For many, especially those who don’t speak the dominant language, expressing mental health concerns can feel overwhelming. The system often dismisses their voices, adding to their emotional burden.

Language is powerful.

In today’s diverse world, especially in immigrant-rich regions like the global North, we must go beyond dry, literal translations in healthcare. Choosing the right words can break down barriers, enhance education, promote genuine cultural exchange, and make healthcare more cost-effective.

Secular psychology has its limitations, particularly when it tries to exclude spirituality and religiosity from its discussions. Ignoring these spiritual frameworks in mainstream training creates a gap between Muslim patients and providers and the broader healthcare system.

Terms like “Fitra” (innate disposition), “‘Aql” (intellect), “Nafs” (self), “Ruh” (spirit), “Salah” (prayer), “Tazkiyah” (purification), and “Adab” (manners) carry deep meanings that are often lost in translation. Engaging with these terms can bridge the gap between Muslims and the healthcare landscape.

It’s easy to get caught up in sophisticated language, asking questions like “Why don’t Muslims seek mental health services?” or “Why is mental health stigmatized?” Instead, we should ask, “What are the shortcomings in today’s psychology that prevent it from meeting the needs of diverse communities?” and “What is missing in psychology training that’s keeping it from making the world a safer, better place, despite technological advances?”

In these challenging times, holding onto our vocabulary is a form of cognitive resilience against the erasure that’s becoming common in biomedical training.

Step up for those in the biomedical field—whether you’re writing, practicing, or training—. Use language that’s true to the communities you serve. Stay authentic to your oath to “do no harm” and “do justice” to those who seek your advice.

Be a beacon of truth, your truth.

From Inquiry to Impact: Sharing Research with Purpose

October 7, 2024 No Comments

October, 2024

Sondos Al Sad

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose”

Zora Neale Hurston

Research has become central to both my personal and professional life. Over time, I’ve learned to recognize the quality of public information and the logistics of sharing it effectively, especially since often the research landscape is bumpy with many checkpoints and gatekeepers.

My journey has been filled with the joy of refining research questions in pursuit of the best answers. Yet, I’ve often been self-censoring, unsure when to share what I’ve learned, fearing that the process of learning is never truly complete. Eventually, I began noticing signs of when a conclusion feels “ripe”—you start casually sharing it in conversations, and people remember you for that topic. Digital algorithms begin recommending similar research, and you recognize experts in the field even if you struggle to pronounce their names.

This recognition marked a turning point in my professional development. It also guided my approach to publishing. Here are a few tips for selecting the right journal for your research:

  • Target journals you frequently cite in your own work.
  • Review the journal’s editorial board for diversity.
  • Consider who should know your work and whether the journal’s audience matches.
  • Check the review timelines and associated publishing costs.
  • Seek advice from experts who know the journal’s approach to certain topics.

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Ultimately, research is about contributing to knowledge, and when you feel confident in your work, it’s time to share.

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Equity-focused research resources

September 28, 2024 No Comments

Sondos Al Sad

Welcome to my bookmarked list of research resources.

If you’re like me—on a quest for minority-focused research—these are some essential resources I frequently turn to:

Muslim Health Research:

Women’s Health Research:

Community Health Research:

I continue to update this list as I learn more.

Overcoming Barriers to Minority Research: Lessons from My Journey

September 28, 2024 No Comments

September, 2024

Sondos Al Sad

“Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought”

Albert Imre Szent-Györgyi

It’s not uncommon for me to hear—whether from collaborators, students, peers, or even my own research—”I can’t find much literature about minorities.” This recurring challenge may feel overwhelming, but every time I dig deeper, seek mentorship, or consult subject experts, I realize just how much is out there.

It’s humbling to see the depth of research available when approached with curiosity and persistence.

****

The Barriers to Minority Research in the Global North

From my experience, several obstacles tend to surface when trying to find or conduct research on minorities, particularly in the global north. Here are some I’ve faced firsthand:

  1. Inadequate Research Experience: Many researchers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, often struggle due to limited access to research training and mentorship opportunities.
  2. Skewed Search Algorithms: Search engines prioritize certain journals based on location, reinforcing regional biases. For example, searching from the UK may prioritize European journals, while a U.S. IP address surfaces mostly American content. This limits academic exchange and inadvertently hinders cross-cultural understanding, leaving global perspectives underrepresented.
  3. Limited Access to Journals: While open-access journals are gaining popularity, they’re far from the norm. Paywalls are still common, creating financial barriers for researchers. For authors, open access often comes at a cost, requiring fees to make their work freely available to others.
  4. Research Trends Dominate Funding: Research has its trends, and securing funding can feel impossible without the right grant-writing skills or a well-connected sponsor. For minority researchers, this often means working in the shadow of dominating faculty, which stifles creativity and limits the range of research topics explored.
  5. Community Hesitancy and Compensation Issues: Marginalized communities often approach research participation with justified skepticism. Without fair compensation, many are reluctant to participate in studies that might not benefit them directly.

Steps I Take to Overcome Challenges

While I can’t singlehandedly fix these systemic issues, here are a few strategies that help me continue my work:

  1. Ask a Librarian (Often!): I reach out for support more often than ever —they are invaluable when accessing hard-to-find research.
  2. Research Boldly, Not Just by Trends: I pursue research in areas that matter to me, even when they’re not trendy. As a researcher, being bold means focusing on meaningful work, not what’s fashionable in the field.
  3. Collaborate with Integrity: I only work with researchers who respect my efforts, fairly credit my contributions, and prioritize the well-being of the communities they study over their own academic accolades. Character matters far more than titles!
  4. Seek Humble and Consistent Mentors: Whether I know them personally or not, I actively seek mentorship from experts who show humility and consistency. You’d be surprised how willing people are to help if you just ask!
  5. Serve as a Journal Reviewer: I review submissions for journals that align with my interests or have diverse editorial boards. This role not only allows me to contribute to the academic community but also keeps me engaged with emerging research and evolving perspectives.
  6. Build Collaborative Bridges: I collect and bookmark research resources, and I remember those who leave a positive impression. Collaborative work builds bridges and has the potential to make a lasting impact—far more than working solo in silos.

Be inquisitive!

Please check my resources’ post. l will frequently update it as I discover new resources.

The path may not always be easy, but with persistence, collaboration, and curiosity, we can expand our understanding and create more inclusive research practices.

Suicide, Muslims, and Censorship

September 10, 2024 No Comments

September, 2024

Sondos Al Sad

“These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.”

Najwa Zebian

For Muslims, September carries a unique weight. It is both Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and a reminder of the negative labels that threaten their lives daily. Suicide remains a taboo subject for many Muslims, in part due to a culture of self-censorship. American Muslims may struggle to reconcile the belief that suicide is a sin while also showing compassion to those who have been affected by it.

In many Muslim communities, suicide isn’t a taboo per se; it is a heavy burden.

The remembrance of Allah is often seen as a source of comfort and a way to ease hardships. Yet, Islamic spiritual practices are rarely acknowledged or accepted in modern psychological spheres. Research has consistently shown that religiosity can be a protective factor against mental illness, suicide, and burnout. [1] Despite this, Islamic-based interventions are often underrepresented in national suicide prevention initiatives. Muslims possess organic tools within the faith traditions, they are holistic, evidence-based, and proven to save lives. These tools should be celebrated and embraced, not alienated or ostracized.

It’s time for a shift in the conversation.

I’ve learned from my Muslim patients that their stories, struggles, and perspectives often go unheard in mainstream media and psychological research. These are some of those:

In Islam, sin and crime are often used interchangeably in scripture. Reflecting deeply, we may find that this connection is rooted in compassion and understanding human struggles—especially in our current digitalized and pragmatic age. Every crime, including the act of suicide, stems from a motive.

For many American Muslims, living in the relative comfort of the West, there is often confusion about why suicides occur. This may be due to the misconception that being a Muslim grants eternal immunity, rather than a continuous, lifelong journey of self-improvement and spiritual growth.

Living in a society that continuously demonizes our religious identity intensifies the struggle!

Current geopolitical realities, including wars and suffering in the Global South, have undeniably contributed to the rise of “political suicides.” [2] The Muslim community is deeply troubled by the stark contrast in society’s response to these acts. When individuals like Aaron Bushnell end their lives in protest, they are often criminalized or condemned, while suicides of those in seemingly “comfortable” conditions are met with compassion and understanding. This disparity reveals a troubling bias, treating one as a crime and the other as a tragedy. For Muslims, this double standard, perpetuated by politicians and the media, feels like a profound betrayal and misrepresentation.

All motives should be acknowledged and remedied.

Politicians and media outlets have been emotionally dishonest about their treatment of Muslims, evident in their foreign policies and failure to acknowledge the emotional toll this takes on Muslim communities.[3] Meanwhile, Muslim leaders have often failed to address the issues of mental illness, geopolitical affairs, and suicide openly and proactively.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a powerful call to action. It’s an opportunity to advocate for the inclusion of genuine Muslim perspectives in psychology, national data, and foreign policy, while also recognizing Islam’s valuable contributions to mental health and suicide prevention. [4]

Instead of placing the burden solely on individuals, particularly those from minority communities, we must address the root causes at the national and policy level to truly prevent the loss of life.

Explore some of the richness here and enjoy this read. Another resource I recommend for further learning is the Suicide Prevention: Community Action Guide by The Family and Youth Institute (thefyi.org).

From Struggle to Revolution: Empowering Women Today

August 6, 2024 No Comments

August, 2024

Sondos Al Sad

 “Perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it.”

Albus Dumbledore

At first hesitant to watch Harry Potter, I soon found myself captivated. Reflecting on why it resonated, I realized all women face daily battles akin to Harry’s fight against dark magic. One that throws our names in every goblet of fire without our consent, and is so bothered when we outlive the spell! 

Today, women express a need for simple gestures of love and connection, highlighting our struggles in a world often filled with fear and isolation. 

As a Muslim immigrant woman, every day feels like a battle against unseen forces. We’re labeled and boxed in, our roles constantly challenged. Women juggle countless responsibilities alone amid societal pressures and systemic issues. Toxic diets, commercialized healthcare, immoral education, school shootings, oppressive governments, unsafe neighborhoods, inflation, and absent manhood to shoulder it with us! 

Every role we play is challenged,  and stripped from the collective efforts and community sense. Moreover, when we seek solutions we are met with an uncensored amount of information; change your diet, sleep more, stress less, replace toxic kitchenware, and sign petitions! 

We are told the problem is stigmatizing care and lack of access, whereas the problem is hoarding what is naturally ours, and gatekeeping it from the beginning!

 It is time for a revolution.

We must reject these superficial fixes. Look beyond technology and consumerism. Fix what’s broken. Challenge the status quo. Question our biases. Stand firm against toxicity.

Teach our boys to be gentlemen. Vote on principles, not parties. Demand accountability from leaders trapped in a broken political system. Support each other—women shoulder enough burdens already.

Choose kindness over conflict. Empathy doesn’t mean unconditional agreement; it means choosing compassion over bitterness. Let’s embrace civility and empathy, even towards those who oppose us.

Let’s build a world where integrity and humanity prevail over profit and power. 

For our collective wellness: stand up for justice, because every child deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their background.

It’s time to reclaim our roles as caregivers, healers, and leaders. Let’s shape a future where women can be, rather than constantly fighting for safe spaces. 

Healthcare Bias and the Palestinian Cause

July 6, 2024 1 Comment

Unveiling Prejudices Against Muslims

July, 2024

Sondos Al Sad

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible”

Maya Angelou

In the labyrinth of healthcare, where compassion and equality are meant to reign supreme, the burden of biases weighs heavily, particularly for Muslims. The tax of stereotypes, an unspoken yet palpable toll, unveils a deeply rooted supremacy and injustices that manifest through the healthcare spaces.

Since its inception, Western societies have catered to the fragility of their own, especially white communities, in ways that continuously perpetuated bigotry. This overprotection yielded a tight comfort zone, rendering our self-accountability idle. Antisemitism was born and raised in the European landscape, yet, its increased incidence is often met with swift and decisive condemnation from its original makers by leaning on Islamophobia! 

The polarization and lack of accountability are glaring.

While antisemitism rightly prompts societal and constitutional shifts aimed at protection, Muslims frequently find themselves on the receiving end of travel bans and derogatory labels, such as terrorists.

Muslims today, particularly in the context of the ongoing crisis in Palestine, face an uphill battle in trusting the healthcare system. The visible discrimination and bigotry they encounter erode this trust, creating a barrier to accessing essential services. 

The impact of these disparities is profound, affecting not only the physical health of Muslims but also their mental and emotional well-being. The collective psyche of the Muslim community bears the scars of September 11th, a day that forever altered perceptions and unjustly painted an entire faith with the brush of extremism. Meanwhile, the grievances of Jewish communities, though valid, are often met with immediate institutional support and legislative changes.

A troubling truth: our global health suffers when justice and equality are not uniformly upheld.

For those with an affinity to the Palestinian cause, the consequences are even more severe. The continuous marginalization and stigmatization foster a climate of mistrust and alienation, hindering effective healthcare delivery and exacerbating existing health disparities.

As we navigate this complex landscape, we must recognize and address these double standards. Healthcare should be a sanctuary, free from prejudice and discrimination. Only then can we hope to heal the wounds of the past and build a future where everyone, regardless of their faith or background, receives the care and respect they deserve.

Bigotry kills!

Bigotry paralyzes!

Bigotry is inhumane!

Weaponizing Food vs. Wasting It

June 29, 2024 No Comments

June, 2024

Sondos Al Sad

“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry”

Prophet Muhammad PBUH

In our world of abundance and scarcity, who would have thought that food could be a double-edged sword sharply injuring our moral existence? On edge is weaponizing food as a means of control and coercion, and the silent yet equally damaging food waste and hate on the other. Both practices reveal deep-seated issues in our global systems and call for urgent introspection and action.

Weaponizing food is not new, yet it should not ever be normalized or acceptable.

We are witnessing atrocious war crimes recruiting siege tactics by cutting off food supplies to starving populations in Gaza, Sudan, and Congo. Even in so-called “modern countries”, food embargoes and sanctions are employed as political strategies;  undermining the autonomy and dignity of entire populations. This practice exploits the basic human need for sustenance and cuts deep into its soul with longstanding trauma to heal through generations to follow. It is cruel that the blessing meant to provide life and hope can be twisted into a means of control.

When our way of life lost touch with morality, our relationship with food became a battle between waste and restriction.

On the flip side, the dysfunctional relationship with food and its waste is an equally devastating ailment. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted annually. This wastage occurs at every stage of the food supply chain, from production to consumption.

In developed countries, food waste often happens at the consumer level. Perfectly edible food is discarded due to aesthetic standards or simply because it is surplus to requirements. In developing countries, the lack of adequate storage and transportation infrastructure leads to significant losses. The environmental impact of this waste is profound, contributing to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of resources used in food production.

On our screen today, we see the contrasting imagery of both children starved to death in Gaza and The Food Waste Story.

As individuals, we must influence these issues through our choices and actions. By being mindful of our consumption, fighting radical regimes and oppression, advocating for food justice, and supporting initiatives that promote food security and reduce waste, we can contribute to global healing and a sustainable world.

Use every platform you have efficiently, we are meant to develop humans not grow bellies and power!

Free Palestine: Global Healing

May 23, 2024 No Comments

Sondos Al Sad

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story”

Maya Angelou

I was summoned to co-present in a workshop on the vital role of advocacy in primary care. It seemed I was chosen for this task due to a case study that hit close to home: Gaza.

Gaza the story that was stripped from its whole – Palestine- just as I was uprooted from both! 

In the stark aftermath of the workshop, a bitter realization clawed its way into my consciousness: I held my breath and performed underwater. I didn’t welcome those who were attending, I did not thank those who were in the space. I did not introduce myself or provide closure as I passed the mic to the next person without a conclusion. I even failed to whisper my prayers before I started the dive! 

The chilling realization of the immense emotional burden involved in merely recounting the human toll of this genocide is staggering. I shudder to contemplate the enduring weight of missed opportunities and fractured connections that will burden us for generations, perhaps even centuries, to come.

Trying to connect with people in that hall seemed to be a leisure I couldn’t afford as I was trying to swim against the mainstream of complacency and fallacy surrounding the loss of life. I couldn’t recognize any feelings while presenting an ancient fact to the modern heedlessness! I was numb, literally numb. 

While my hindsight carried a brutal self-awareness, the echoes of my forgotten prayers brought back some of the warmth and compassion that once defined me but showed me how talking about Gaza to a room full of privileged Americans can be heavy! I wanted to ask any of them to pull me out so I could breathe, but I was not sure how to trust them.

How can the healthcare system mend such a schism between who we should be and who we currently are? How could a workshop change the landscape of a cruel and discriminatory system that values power over people? How may I catalyze a change in a system that is so resistant and deeply rooted in bigotry?

Every word left unspoken, every opportunity squandered remains a festering wound that refuses to heal. Palestine’s narrative resembles a geriatric pregnancy—deemed high-risk by many, and often a consequence of the system in place. Yet, it persists despite the flaws in our systems, flourishing with the potential to yield the fruits of truth, courage, and healing, with each new seed planted. 

I wholeheartedly stand by a free Palestine even if all healthcare systems deem its labor a poor prognosis. I believe that once delivered, our communities shall heal and heed actual wellness.

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