Dr. Ali’s Story…

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and a mom when I grew up. I love babies, toddlers, children, and adolescents. I was voted “future mom” in kindergarten. I love solving difficult puzzles, and I love helping others understand how to do it too. And teaching runs in the family! My undergraduate degree is in Psychology, and yet I felt an unavoidable draw towards medicine.

Like a good daughter, I tried really hard not to be a doctor. My mom saw how tirelessly my father worked for his patients and his family, and she was concerned that I, too, would put myself last. My dad is the most compassionate, hardworking, selfless, and intelligent doctor I know (and the best dad!). There are countless stories of people stopping us at the bank, at restaurants, even the attendance ladies at school, all wanting to share how my dad had impacted their lives. As a child visiting his office and a pre-med student joining him in the delivery room, it was impossible not to be in awe of his natural rapport with patients.

Pediatrics was an obvious residency choice for me and I never looked back. My developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP) rotation was not until the end of my second year of residency. I found kindred spirits in the DBP physicians and I fell in love with the children and families in their care. 

I cherish the experience of connecting with a child and discovering how their mind works. With that critical information I can partner with families and caregivers to problem solve and brainstorm creative, child-specific, strength-based strategies to optimize success. I may be an expert on autism, ADHD, or Down syndrome, but you are the expert on your child. Developmental pediatrics is about partnership, teamwork and shared decision making. It is when we work together that we ensure your child grows into the best version of themselves. 

DBP is a perfect fit for me. Now I am both a doctor and a teacher (and I’ve been known to do math homework with patients!). I get to uncover and realize the masterpiece that is each child as an individual, and it is actually my job to develop and maintain relationships! Families come to DBP seeking diagnostic clarity and guidance, often having felt stigmatized or misunderstood. I have the privilege of assuring a safe space where every child belongs and every family feels heard and accepted. I am proud to be my father’s daughter and to follow in his footsteps providing the comprehensive and compassionate care that every child deserves.