Dr. Mohamed Farhat is a rarity. He works as both a hematologist and an oncologist. Using simpler terms, he treats all kinds of cancer. It goes beyond that, however. Everything ailing the community is his concern, including blood disorders. His passion for tending to others shines through his dedication to hard work.
Originally, Farhat was raised in France. He came, along with his parents and siblings, to live in the United States when he was 13 with only $200 and one another. Back then, the family was after the promising prospects of the American dream. Both of his parents worked hard their whole lives to get Farhat and his siblings through school. Now, his brother is a neurosurgeon and his sister became a judge, so the accomplishments between them certainly are many.
Farhat’s story differs from that of his siblings. He went to Fontana High School in California. After his graduation, he arrived in Chicago to live out the remainder of his teenage years and his early 20s. To complete his undergraduate studies, he attended Loyola University. What followed was his going to Chicago Medical School. Thereafter, he journeyed to Rush University for his residency and fellowship.
For about 20 years, Farhat trained himself thoroughly to ensure his efficacy as a healthcare professional. The accolades he possesses are impressive. It hasn’t always been easy, yet everything has paid off tremendously. All of it was possible, too, because of the devotion of his parents.
“Our parents’ hope for us, as their kids, was that we’d dedicate ourselves to becoming the best people we could be. They gave us an opportunity to do great things. We were in a two-bedroom apartment. All of us have worked every day of our lives since we got to the States. We had so much help from them throughout our lives,” he said.
Today, Farhat travels from hospital to hospital in Northwest Indiana, offering unparalleled services. His main association is with the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, the hope being that he can bring the benefits of big-city treatments into smaller communities. He sees patients from all areas, every one of them seeking the extreme quality of care he and his colleagues provide. Nobody is a stranger to him. By the time he meets and encounters anyone in need of his assistance, he’s made them a member of his family in his heart.
The business of working with people in any context on a daily basis can be taxing. There are some bad days and some good ones. Farhat’s primary pleasure is meeting people where they are, then going on to supply the utmost care to them all.
“The best part of my job by far is just working with people. When they come to see me and we work together for months, we become like family. You wake up early, sure, and you stay long hours, but that's always doable. The fact is, you invest in people's lives, and that means so much,” he said.
Though his schedule is demanding, Farhat serves on the boards of various organizations related to healthcare. His wife, Lauren Cerullo, is a phenomenal dermatologist in the Region. She’s his partner in crime. Together they are raising two young children. His daughter likes to do taekwondo, and his son enjoys swimming. As for the sports he relishes, basketball and tennis are his go-to choices.
Farhat stays updated on happenings in the world of medicine by reading medical journals. Besides that, he also does other leisure reading to keep his mind sharp. Family time stands, above all else, as the thing that keeps him grounded in his life. The feeling he gets when his children run into his arms after he returns home from work is indescribable.
“Family is a huge part of my life. They keep me sane, entertained, and happy. We go out on trips together, whether it’s just going to the park or going to the movies. I remember every single hour we spend together because it just means so much to me. It’s just so comforting,” he said.
Valparaiso’s been home to Farhat and his family for over a decade now. It’s brought multitudes of joy to him, causing him to continually want to make the most of his experience living here.
“When we first came here 12 years ago, it felt like there wasn't much in Valpo. Since then it’s become such a great city, with the right people. Everybody is so friendly and so accepting. We love this area so much that we had our kids here. The city has become our home. That's why we volunteer and give back. This community feels like a place where we belong,” he said.