Fast track to doctoral degree and medical practice
Muataz Lafta defended his thesis on 21 March, finished his internship on 11 April and will receive his doctorate on 23 May. Photo: Tobias Sterner
Muataz Lafta had his sights set on becoming a doctor from childhood, and once in Uppsala, it felt natural to also go into research. In spring 2025, he completed both his medical training and his doctoral thesis. On Friday, he will receive his doctorate in the Grand Auditorium at Uppsala University.
How does it feel to be receiving your doctorate on Friday?
“It feels great! It’s a unique occasion, a day you only experience once in your life unless you take a second doctorate, but I have no plans to do that. I’d rather delve deeper into what I’ve already started, so I’ll stick to medicine and the brain. That’s my great passion.”
You are only 26 years old and have already completed your medical training, internship and doctorate. How have you found time to do all that?
“It’s gone better than expected, I must admit. I’ve done so much in the last few years, but over the years I’ve learnt to combine different things and be disciplined and efficient. I’m constantly reflecting and evaluating, and I carry on with what works. I always try to fine-tune things that can be improved.”
You came to Sweden from Iraq at the age of 13, lived a few years in Eskilstuna and moved to Uppsala as a medical student. How come you went into research?
“I had no idea what it meant to be a researcher. There are no doctors or researchers in my family, but as a person I am very curious and have always wanted to be a doctor all these years. When I arrived in Uppsala, I had fulfilled my childhood dream and it felt a bit empty at first. I thought, what shall I do now?
“As a person, I am quite goal-orientated and always want to have something to aim for, so I started looking around me. Most of our lecturers at the University are involved in research in one way or another, and try to attract students who are curious. I wanted to give it a try and see if it was for me.”
The summer research school got you started with research already during your first degree. What made you choose the brain of all things?
“I decided to become a surgeon and I have an interest in brains so I wanted to do research on something that was in line with my clinical interests. I got in touch with the neurosurgery department at Uppsala University Hospital back in my second semester, but they had no projects for me, so I joined another group in brain research at Uppsala Biomedical Centre.
“During the last year of the medicine programme, I was admitted to the Early Doctorate at Uppsala University (EDUU) programme and combined my studies in the medicine programme with part-time research. Then I continued with research during my internship for two and a half years. But it actually went a bit faster in my case, because I’ve spent nearly all my free time working.”
You defended your thesis on 21 March, finished your internship on 11 April and will receive your doctorate on 23 May. What’s next?
“I want to become a neurosurgeon and I want to continue with my clinical and research career. The next step is to qualify as a docent and then hopefully continue towards a professorship. I would love to continue in Uppsala, but there are some things you can’t influence, such as the recruitment freeze at Uppsala University Hospital. So I’m actually going to start working in Linköping, at their neurosurgery clinic, after my employment here ends.”
Annica Hulth