Birthplace: Gujranwala, Pakistan. Profession: Non-invasive nuclear cardiologist, healthcare entrepreneur and community leader. Organization: Park Slope Cardiac & Diagnostic Center. Title: Founder and medical director. Pronouns: He/him. Alma mater: Allama Iqbal Medical College; Interfaith Medical Center (residency); NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital (cardiology fellowship). Languages spoken: English, Urdu and Punjabi.
Current project: Expanding cardiovascular practices and developing healthcare, medical education and affordable housing projects in New York and Pakistan. Recent recognition: Appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul as an advisory member of the New York State Justice Center. Recent professional development: Preventive cardiology, cardiac PET imaging, AI in healthcare and physician leadership. Latest accomplishment: Expanding my healthcare network through the acquisition of another medical practice and real estate in Brooklyn. Latest contribution to others: Strengthening civic engagement in the Pakistani-American community through APPAC, including advocacy that contributed to the historic appointment of Judge Zahid Quraishi. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Building healthcare practices in medically underserved communities. Hobbies: Tennis, singing and recording South Asian-Western fusion music, travel and fitness.
Personality profile: Visionary, disciplined, organized, compassionate and optimistic. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Doer. Moral compass: Work hard, act with integrity and give back. How do you define a perfect friendship? Trust, mutual respect, shared values and long-term commitment. What is your greatest joy? Caring for patients, mentoring physicians and serving communities. What is your greatest fear? Leaving important work unfinished while there is still an opportunity to make a lasting difference. What natural talent have you neglected? Singing. I especially love the music of Mohammed Rafi and have recorded South Asian music blended with Western influences. What is at the top of your bucket list? Completing the 350-bed hospital and establishing a medical school in my hometown of Gujranwala, Pakistan.
What was the start of your career? Witnessing the impact of heart disease without access to care in Pakistan inspired me to become a cardiologist. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family photographs, artwork, diplomas and certifications. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Mohammed Rafi. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Treat every patient as if they were your own family. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Artificial intelligence. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Prayer, reflection and conversations with visionary people. What company or organization do you most admire? Mayo Clinic.
What is your big idea?
Build an integrated healthcare ecosystem focused on prevention, technology, education and compassionate care.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Shift healthcare toward prevention and early diagnosis. What change would you like to see in the world? Promote equitable access to healthcare and education. What message do you want to send out into the world? Success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others. What mega-trend most excites you? AI, precision medicine and advanced imaging.
Personal mission: Advance healthcare, empower communities, mentor future physicians and build institutions that improve lives for generations. Personal motto: Service Before Self. Favorite quote: "They ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘Whatever is beyond your needs’" (Qur'an 2:219). Desired epitaph: He lived a life of service, healed others and left every community stronger than he found it.
