Members

Dr. Safder Hasan is a distinguished fellow in Hand and Microsurgery at the esteemed Kleinert Kutz Hand Care Center in Louisville, Kentucky. A testament to his resilience and commitment, Dr. Hasan graduated as Chief Resident from the Emory University Department of General Surgery in 2024, where he was lauded for his leadership and dedication to superior patient care. A graduate of The Aga Khan Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, Dr. Hasan's journey into medicine was marked by a clear vision and unwavering determination. As a medical student eager to gain international experience, he secured sub-internships at prestigious institutions such as UCLA and Emory University. Despite facing significant setbacks due to visa issues, Dr. Hasan's perseverance never waned. He instead continued his training at the Hamad Medical Corporation Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Doha, Qatar, where he played a pivotal role in the program achieving ACGME-International accreditation—the second program worldwide to earn this honor. Dr. Hasan later moved to the United States, bringing with him a wealth of experience in subspecialty surgery. Despite starting anew as an intern at Emory University, his humility and eagerness to learn made a profound impact on both his peers and mentors. His approach to each task with fresh enthusiasm and a willingness to collaborate distinguished him as a key member of the medical team. In his tenure as a resident, Dr. Hasan became an advocate for international medical graduates, sharing his unique experiences and challenges during a memorable Grand Rounds presentation. His powerful blend of personal narrative and compelling data highlighted the obstacles faced by IMGs, bolstering his reputation as a passionate advocate for this community. 

 

Dr. Hasan's dedication and insights have not only enriched his colleagues and patients but also earned him a position on the Board of Directors of IRIS. Here, he continues to influence the future of medical training and support for international medical students, ensuring that barriers are reduced and opportunities are expanded.

Dr. TaRessa Wills earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA, followed by her Doctorate of Medicine from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC. She is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and has served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Emory Division of Hospital Medicine at Grady Memorial Hospital since 2019.

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Dr. Wills currently serves as the Associate Site Director of Hospital Medicine at Grady Memorial Hospital, where she leads over 50 providers in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to some of Atlanta’s most underserved populations. In this role, she combines her commitment to equitable healthcare delivery with her passion for leadership and systemic change.

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Dr. Wills is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She co-leads a DEI special interest group within her division that fosters critical conversations through literature and discussion while developing actionable strategies to create a more inclusive environment. She also serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council in the Emory University Department of Medicine and the Racial Advocacy Faculty Advisory Committee in the School of Medicine, playing a pivotal role in advancing institutional efforts for equity.

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Dr. Wills is also a dedicated advocate for breaking down systemic barriers in medicine, a mission she furthers as a Board of Director here at IRIS. Dr. Wills’ contributions to IRIS include guiding strategic initiatives to empower individuals marginalized by systemic inequities and helping them navigate the complexities of healthcare systems.

Dr. Wills is actively involved in national organizations, including the Society of General Internal Medicine and the American College of Physicians, where she continues to advocate for policies addressing health inequities and improving access to care for vulnerable populations.