Sister, may Allah ease your dilemma. It my own humble, unqualified opinion, I would suggest that rather than travelling to the USA and attempting to study there with a niqab, maybe you could find somewhere in Qatar to study medicine? Although you may feel uncomfortable and conspicuous wearing the niqab in Qatar, it is still a country that will tolerate you covering your face. I have a former student who has moved to Qatar, maybe it’s a different area where you live, but this is an extract from an email she sent me: Believe me, if you are still getting accustomed to wearing it in Qatar, you will need much more courage and determination to wear it the USA. Your quote that: is spot on. You will find opposition to the niqab in most places but nowhere more than in western countries. That does not mean it is impossible to wear it there; you just need determination an ability to ignore remarks, stares and the constant impertinence from prejudiced folk. Rather than give up on becoming a doctor now that you have come this far, look for some place to study where there is segregation, somewhere closer to home and in a place that will not make you compromise your admirable consciousness. As for this question.... Maybe you can be the first one sister! But covering your face is not enough. You need to exhibit a modest disposition, refrain from informal chit chat with male colleagues, dress in sunnah clothing, cling to your Islamic values and ethos, and above carry yourself in a way that is befitting of a modest Muslimah.