Previous Deema Swidan holds her father, Salwan Swidan, while he studies for his medical boards.  Both are refugees from Iraq where Swidan was a cardiologist practicing in Baghdad.  He has been studying for years to take the U.S. board examination which will qualify him to re-enter an American residency training program to train all over again.  This photo was made toward the end of a grueling 3-hour study session, held on a Sunday, with other physicians.  

Deema and her brother had been studying in another room while I photographed the study session.  She left her brother, walked up behind her father and gave him this hug, as if to both acknowledge and thank him for his hard work, and perhaps to tell him it was time to go home. Next

Deema Swidan holds her father, Salwan Swidan, while he studies for his medical boards. Both are refugees from Iraq where Swidan was a cardiologist practicing in Baghdad. He has been studying for years to take the U.S. board examination which will qualify him to re-enter an American residency training program to train all over again. This photo was made toward the end of a grueling 3-hour study session, held on a Sunday, with other physicians. Deema and her brother had been studying in another room while I photographed the study session. She left her brother, walked up behind her father and gave him this hug, as if to both acknowledge and thank him for his hard work, and perhaps to tell him it was time to go home.