Syeda Taliya Rizvi
I was born and raised in Pakistan and completed my medical education from Dow Medical College. I then pursued my residency in Internal Medicine from AdventHealth Orlando, now the largest hospital in the USA. My residency training coincided with the entirety of COVID-19 pandemic, an experience that profoundly shaped my outlook on life and medicine. It showed me how fragile, unpredictable and short life is. We often live consumed by our egos and long-term plans, yet life and death are a matter of mere moments, leaving everything behind in this world. I firmly believe that life is too short for hatred and division. What the world truly needs is love, empathy, and understanding. The least we can do is to be kind and supportive of one another. I strongly believe that we all have a purpose in life, a unique role for which Allah has placed us in this world. As Muslims, our purpose is even more distinctive, and we bear an even greater responsibility and accountability to Allah’s makhlooqat. I often reflect on why, among all religions, Allah chose us to be Muslims, and why, among all professions, He chose us to be physicians and why in this specific era. This is a profound blessing—a special mercy from Allah —but it also comes with immense responsibility and accountability. Our profession aligns with the Sunnah of Prophet has the potential to serve as Sadqah e Jariyah, provided we approach it with sincerity and devotion.
Currently, I have been working in an outpatient setting in Mckinney since completion of my residency in 2023, striving to provide compassionate care to my patients and trying to make a meaningful impact in their lives. In my personal life, I enjoy exploring nature, volunteering, and spending time with my parents, siblings and their kids, which keeps me grounded and motivated to continue serving my community.
Vision for DMMA and why members should vote for me
My vision for the (DMMA) is to cultivate a community of healthcare professionals who go beyond their clinical roles to serve as advocates for meaningful societal change. DMMA is a platform where we, as physicians, can collectively leverage our respected voices to address issues affecting not only our communities but society as a whole.
One of my core beliefs is the importance of political and social engagement to achieve our shared goals. It is a need of time, given everything going on around us and that we must not ignore. As physicians, we hold one of the most respected positions in society, and this respect ensures that our voices are not only heard but taken seriously. This gives us a unique and powerful platform to advocate for meaningful change and address the concerns and welfare of our Muslim communities through political and civic engagement. It is also essential that we build bipartisan relationships and maintain connections with those in positions of influence. We need to adopt a broader approach to advocacy that resonates with a wider audience, make alliances with other faiths to achieve our goals. For example, as Dr. Zafraan eloquently pointed out a while back on the Politics group, instead of solely protesting against the ongoing genocide, we can frame it around voicing the impact of foreign wars on American citizens—such as how such wars exacerbate homelessness, strain veteran welfare systems, and redirect billions of dollars away from education and domestic needs. By focusing on how these challenges affect all Americans, we can build alliances across communities and create a far more powerful and effective movement for change. The purpose remains the same, but the approach becomes more inclusive and impactful.
Another priority for me is fostering a culture of support and collaboration within DMMA. I have personally experienced the kindness and guidance of DMMA members who have gone above and beyond to assist me, both professionally and personally. This spirit of unity is a cornerstone of our organization, and I aim to strengthen it further. Whether through professional referrals, addressing medical questions, or simply providing encouragement, our collective strength lies in our ability to uplift one another.
Civic engagement and community meetups will also be central to my vision. These gatherings provide opportunities to build stronger connections within our group and amplify our collective influence in the broader community. DMMA is not just a professional network; it is a movement of compassionate, driven individuals working toward a shared vision of empathy, uplifting each other, Muslim community welfare and a positive and impactful change.