I was born in Karachi, Pakistan but my parents moved to the United States when I was three years old. My Pakistani heritage is important to me, but America is the only home I've ever known and being American is a huge part of my identity. I grew up in New York and New Jersey and went to college outside of Boston, at Wellesley College. I graduated in 2009 and then went to medical school in Georgia, where my parents relocated. In Georgia, I developed a deeper appreciation for peanuts, peaches, air conditioners, Southern twangs, Southern food, and of course "y'all". A passion for domestic and global health disparities led me to medical school, and dictate my career aspirations to this day. During medical school, I spent a lot of time organizing around and advocating for domestic health disparities and then I translated that passion to a global health setting by spending a year in Karachi, Pakistan between my third and fourth years of medical school, working at Indus Hospital. Ultimately, the next steps of my path led me to Stanford, where I finished my pediatrics residency and fellowships in pediatric cardiology and pediatric heart failure/heart transplantation. Alhamdulillah, my work is super rewarding! Every single day, I feel blessed to do what I do. My family and friends are incredibly important to me.  They are scattered all over the world but I'm good at staying connected and keeping in touch with those I love and value. My immediate family lives outside of Atlanta, GA. My dad is a civil/transportation engineer and my mom choose to stay at home for my brother and I. My younger brother works in finance in Atlanta. When it comes to faith, which is a central aspect of my life, I believe in taking the middle road. I think spirituality is something that we are all constantly strengthening and developing, and while I value our deen immensely, I think there is so much to learn from the faith traditions of others. I have a diverse group of friends from all backgrounds and traditions and have learned much from them that has helped to strengthen my own beliefs. Aside from the nuts and bolts,  my friends tell me that I'm an excellent story teller and I make everyone around me laugh. Seriously, I'm hilarious. Conversely, it's easy to make me laugh and I value being a goofball and being able to laugh at oneself as much as heart to hearts. I love photography and art in general, and try and make time for those things as much as I can. I want to see as much of the world as possible and am trying to prioritize, though of course that's taken a more local approach during the pandemic. I love the great outdoors, nature has always been faith-affirming for me, and I'm always up for an adventure. I believe that any challenge in life can be approached with faith, kindness, empathy, and a positive attitude! Alhumdulillah, there is much to be grateful for in this good life, and I'm ready for a partner in gratitude!