Tishk International University is pleased to highlight the inspiring journey of Dr. Isra Dilshad Rostum, a graduate of the Faculty of Dentistry, whose career reflects determination, continuous learning, and a strong commitment to academic and clinical excellence.
Dr. Isra graduated from TIU in 2017–2018 and began her professional journey at a dental center, where she initially worked as an accountant while assisting with dental surgeries. Through dedication and hard work, she progressed to become the manager of the center while simultaneously completing the requirements for her professional license and working toward her goal of establishing her own clinic.
After two years, she moved into full-time clinical practice and was accepted into the Master’s program in Orthodontics at Hawler Medical University. During her postgraduate studies, she joined Tishk International University as a Research Assistant while continuing her clinical work. After completing her Master’s degree, she was promoted to Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Orthodontics at TIU.
Today, Dr. Isra serves as an Assistant Lecturer at TIU and works as a Consultant Orthodontist in private practice. She teaches and mentors dental students, supervises examinations and clinical sessions, provides orthodontic treatment, and conducts research as part of her PhD studies at the University of Duhok.
One of the defining challenges in Dr. Isra’s journey was pursuing her dream of becoming an orthodontist despite initially not securing a place in the Master’s program due to limited availability. She remained committed to her goal, and when an additional position became available, she was accepted. She later faced further challenges when applying for her PhD but persevered and successfully gained admission. These experiences strengthened her belief in the importance of patience, determination, faith, and persistence.
Reflecting on her experience at TIU, Dr. Isra highlights the teaching, research, clinical, and professional experiences that helped develop her communication, leadership, time-management, and problem-solving skills. She also credits practical training and early clinical exposure with building her confidence as a young dentist.
For current students, her message is simple: “Everything has its own time.” She encourages students to set goals, work consistently, remain patient, and trust their journey rather than comparing themselves with others.
Today, Dr. Isra continues to combine teaching, clinical practice, research, and postgraduate education, demonstrating how persistence and continuous development can turn long-term aspirations into reality.
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” — Steve Jobs
