Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Bangladesh, where I also completed my medical studies. After graduating from medical school, I made the life-changing decision to move to the USA, ready to embark on a new chapter of my journey.
Why did you choose a career in medicine?
My journey toward medicine has been deeply personal, shaped by both my experiences growing up in Bangladesh and a profound desire to make a lasting impact. From an early age, I was exposed to stark inequalities in healthcare. I witnessed families struggling with illnesses simply because they couldn’t afford the necessary treatments or lacked access to proper care. These experiences left a lasting impression on me and fueled a passion for medicine as a way to bridge these gaps.
Medicine, to me, wasn’t just about science or treatment, it became a pathway to addressing the deep disparities I saw. The human connection in healthcare, the ability to comfort, heal, and advocate for those who cannot help themselves, spoke to me in a way no other field did. I realized that as a physician, I could be the one to make a difference in someone’s life, not just by providing medical care, but by standing up for those who often had no one in their corner.
Choosing medicine was not just about a career for me; it was a calling. I saw it as an opportunity to use my skills and passion to serve those in need and to advocate for better healthcare access and equity. It’s a path that allows me to combine my love for science with a deep desire to improve lives, to give voice to the voiceless, and to address the inequities that have driven me since childhood.
What is your favorite part about being a physician and why?
As a child psychiatrist, my favorite part of being a physician is the unique opportunity to work closely with children and their families, and to be a guiding force during such a critical stage of life. The ability to help children navigate their emotional and mental health challenges is incredibly rewarding. I find it deeply fulfilling to build a trusting relationship with both the child and their family, where we can openly talk about difficult issues and work together towards solutions.
Children often have a different way of expressing themselves, and being able to connect with them, sometimes through play or creative activities, allows me to see the world through their eyes. It’s a privilege to help them process their feelings, develop coping skills, and ultimately improve their mental health in ways that can shape their future. The impact I can have on a child’s life, not just in the present but also in setting the foundation for their well-being as they grow, is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
The joy of seeing a child become more confident, balanced, and able to thrive after struggling with emotional or behavioral difficulties is something that continuously inspires me. It’s not just about treating the symptoms; it’s about empowering children and their families to understand mental health and work through challenges together. That’s what keeps me so passionate about being a child psychiatrist.
Is there a specific event or learning experience that you had that served as an “a-ha” moment or growth opportunity?
One pivotal learning experience that stands out to me happened during my fellowship training when I was working with a teenager who had been struggling with depression and severe emotional dysregulation. Initially, I was following the standard treatment protocol, focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. But despite our efforts, the progress was slow, and I could sense the frustration building in both the child and their family.
One day, in a more relaxed session, the teenager confided in me about their struggles with self-identity and how they didn’t feel seen or understood by anyone around them, including their own family. This was a breakthrough moment for me. It made me realize that I had been so focused on addressing the symptoms of depression that I had overlooked the deeper, underlying issues of identity and self-worth. This insight completely shifted my approach. I began to focus more on creating a safe space for the child to explore their emotions, express themselves freely, and feel heard—not just focusing on their depressive symptoms but also their personal struggles with identity.
This experience taught me the importance of truly listening to my patients and understanding the full context of their emotional struggles. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes the most important breakthroughs come not from following the textbook approach, but from creating an open, empathetic environment where the child feels comfortable sharing their inner world. It reshaped how I approach children, reinforcing the idea that understanding the person as a whole, not just their symptoms, is essential for truly helping them heal.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?
"You can achieve anything you set your mind to, but not all at same time." It reminded me that while it's possible to reach for big goals, success requires patience and timing—sometimes it’s about prioritizing and giving each aspect of life the focus it deserves when the time is right.
What advice would you give to new MSV members?
To new MSV members, my advice would be to embrace both the challenges and the rewards that come with this journey. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek guidance, and never stop growing. Build strong relationships with your mentors, colleagues, and patients, as these connections will not only support you but enrich your practice. Also, prioritize self-care—taking care of yourself allows you to better care for others. Balance your passion for healing with moments of rest and reflection and always stay true to the reason you entered this field: to make a difference in people’s lives.
If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
If I could interview one person, it would be Nelson Mandela. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and reconciliation, even after spending 27 years in prison, is nothing short of inspiring. I would want to understand how he maintained hope and resilience throughout such an immense personal and political struggle, and how he was able to lead with compassion and forgiveness. His perspective on overcoming adversity and working toward healing would offer valuable lessons in leadership, perseverance, and humanity.
What are some of your hobbies and/or passions?
I’m passionate about hiking and have explored nearly every major national park in the U.S. It’s a great way for me to connect with nature and unwind. I also have a love for baking, experimenting with new recipes, and creating delicious treats. In addition, I enjoy painting, it's a way for me to express my creativity and relax.
Complete this statement, ”I am happiest when…”
I am happiest when I’m able to balance my time between being a mother to my daughter and a compassionate physician to my patients. The joy of watching my daughter grow and thrive, combined with the fulfillment of making a positive impact on my patients' lives, brings me a sense of deep purpose and contentment.