Beyond the Clinic Walls: Huda Sharaf, M.D., Receives Staff Gold Medal Award

For Huda Sharaf, M.D., the foundation of her career began taking shape as an undergraduate student at the U of A. In 2026, she stepped into the spotlight at the Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center, accepting the university's Staff Gold Medal Award in front of students, peers and colleagues.  

Presented by the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, the honor recognized Sharaf's outstanding dedication, mentorship and support to students applying for major national and international scholarships. 

The award is a fitting capstone for an alumnus who kicked off her journey into medicine and education after completing her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

During her time at Washington University in St. Louis, Sharaf finished her internal medicine residency. Her first experience in college medicine presented itself when she helped a colleague and covered their shift.  

"I quickly discovered how rewarding it was to care for students during such a transformative period in their lives," Sharaf said. "That experience ultimately shaped the direction of my career."  

Returning to Northwest Arkansas in 2007 with her family, Sharaf joined Pat Walker Health Center. Now serving as medical director, she has spent more than 18 years caring for the campus community.  

But her work doesn't stop there.  

"While providing medical care and educating patients remain at the heart of my work, some of the most meaningful aspects of my role extend beyond the clinic walls," Sharaf said. "I enjoy engaging with student organizations, faculty and staff through outreach programs that promote health, wellness and prevention across campus." 

And that love of teaching and mentorship led her to the university's Honors College in addition to working with student groups.  

For the past four fall semesters, Sharaf taught "Public Health and You" through the honors college - an experience that allowed her to connect with students in a different and rewarding way. She also served as the first staff adviser for the university's Global Medical and Dental Brigades, a registered student organization, and is a member of the Pre-Med Advisory Committee, which helps guide and mentor future healthcare professionals.

"One of the greatest privileges of my career is caring for students during a pivotal time of their lives," she said. "These experiences have taught me that the most meaningful part of medicine is not simply treating illness, but helping students find confidence, resilience and the knowledge to succeed long after they have left the exam room and classroom."

These collaborations extend beyond campus and into the Northwest Arkansas community and even the state. Sharaf currently co-chairs the university's Communicable Disease Outbreak Committee and continues to serve as a voting member of the Fayetteville City Board of Health since its establishment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"These partnerships have reinforced the importance of working together to protect and improve the health of our students and community members," she said.

Reflecting on her return to the university, Sharaf shared how fulfilling it is to give back to the institution that invested in her and helped launch her career.

"Receiving the Staff Gold Medal Award is a tremendous honor," she said, "especially because the University of Arkansas has been such an important part of my own journey."

About Medical Services at Pat Walker Health Center: Pat Walker Health Center supports the University of Arkansas community by providing efficient and convenient access to medical, mental health, substance use and support services. The care team is committed to improving and maintaining the overall well-being of the university's students, faculty and staff by creating an inclusive environment promoting positive behavior and lifestyle changes. Pat Walker Health Center is a department of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/medical-health. 

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community and success. We prioritize student access, well-being and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.