This interview was SO INSPIRING! Dr. Khan’s message was one of hope and engagement, through a powerful lens of equity and justice.
Dr. Khan and I met as part of this lovely exploration of the book, The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron, with a group for women in health care called Introspective Spaces. She had so many beautiful insights throughout our time together, and I loved the essays she wrote about her family from Pakistan and El Salvador, and her dedication to her role in health care.
Dr. Amna Khan is an outpatient pediatrician at Santa Clara Valley Health and a clinical associate professor (affiliated) at Stanford University School of Medicine. Working within California's second-largest public safety net hospital, she serves a diverse urban population of nearly 2 million constituents, dedicating her career to addressing health inequities and their intergenerational impacts on vulnerable children and families.
Dr. Khan’s Key Initiatives
She co-leads Pedi POWER (Pediatricians Working and Organizing to End Racism)
She has created The People's Pediatrician website and health equity newsletter
She is continuously developing innovative interventions to challenge systemic racism in medicine
Dr. Khan on her cultural identity:
"I wanted patient families to see me for who I really am at my core, not a half, but a double of the identities I feel so privileged to call my own."
On her family background:
"I grew up in a household that was rich in diversity of cultural practices, religions, languages, food... The example that they set was one of tremendous love and compassion, and also that humans are much more similar than they are different."
On pediatrics:
"Every child is a seed. And if you give a child the proper soil, and if you do that from the beginning consistently, the tremendous amount of potential that you can garner is something that none of us even believe."
On representation in medicine:
“Not only are you welcome, but you are desperately needed and we want your gifts. We want the challenges that you've experienced in coming from immigrant families... because that is the type of clinical workforce that we need."
Her message to future healthcare providers:
"Medicine is so lucky to have you... All those things that you thought maybe set you apart or gave you a disadvantage... is actually a tremendous advantage. And it allows you to connect with families."
Resources Mentioned
- The People's Pediatrician website
- Pedi POWER initiatives
- Introspective Spaces program for women in health care
- The Artist's Way with Introspective Spaces (book by Julia Cameron)
Dr. Khan completed her medical degree at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in 2009 and her Pediatrics residency at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University in 2012. As a graduate of the UCSF post-baccalaureate program designed to support historically excluded minorities in medicine, she remains committed to mentoring and teaching future healthcare professionals specifically from those communities to increase diversity and representation in clinical workforce.
Dr. Khan in Instagram: @thepeoplespediatrician and LinkedIn
Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedIn
Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.
Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology Today
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Dial 988 for mental health crisis support
SAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed on this podcast reflect those of the host and guests, and are not associated with any organization or academic site.
The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 or call 988 for mental health emergencies.
Share this post