Family Medicine

Hira Ghani studied psychology as an undergraduate student but has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of her uncle, Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry (D.O. ’91), so she came to New York Tech to study osteopathic medicine, just like he did.

Inspired by her family of doctors, Ghani plans to become a dermatologist. She says she loves the diversity of dermatology: “You can treat skin cancers and cutaneous diseases one day and perform cosmetic procedures the following day. I see myself thriving in a specialty like dermatology where you have the freedom to do different things each day.” She chose this specialty because of her mentors and supporters, including New York Tech alumni and dermatology residents affiliated with the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Ghani is a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion, which prompted her to begin to develop dermatologyforall.org, a platform that enables easy access to dermatological care to people from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds to help eradicate the hesitancy and fear in people of color, which withholds them from seeking dermatology consultations.

Ghani has also founded a student-led charity organization called HEART of Newark, which provides free access to food and education, as well as health care screenings, to underserved communities in Newark, N.J. “These experiences have filled me with everlasting gratitude and strengthened my passion for giving back to my community,” Ghani says.

At New York Tech, Ghani has found a strong community of peers and professors. She has researched Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with Associate Professor Bernadette Riley, D.O., director of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility Treatment Center at New York Tech. Ghani says Riley has always encouraged her curiosity and her scholarly pursuits. “Her unending support and motivation have pushed me to continue believing in myself even when things seem tough, or goals seem unachievable.”

With a passion for health and fitness–crucial to her interest in medicine, since prevention is better than a cure–Ghani calls herself a “Zumba pro” and loves cooking. “New York Tech helped me discover my passion for creating healthy and innovative recipes to stay fit because I got to learn how important preventative medicine is,” she says.

New York Tech students can learn a lot from Hira and her healthy approach to life and school: “Follow your passion and don’t let anyone say you can’t do it but have a work-life balance. Don’t let studies consume you–have hobbies on the side,” she says.