Sisterhood Spotlight

You’ve dedicated your life to healing and advocacy across vastly different populations—from veterans to refugees. What drives your commitment to serving often-overlooked communities?

In any society, the way we treat the weak and the sick and the poor and wounded exhibits our core values. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to play a small role in trying to improve the lives of those who need it the most. One of the greatest attributes of our nation is to take care of our own and show up for the weak and the poor world over. I believe that when we show compassion to others, it creates a multigenerational cycle of systemic impact. 

In your experience as a woman in medicine and policy, how have mentorship and collaboration helped you navigate challenges in male-dominated or bureaucratic environments?

I am a firm believer in the power of mentorship, ally ship and collaboration. Throughout my personal and professional life, I have benefited from having impactful coaches, mentors and leaders, both male and female alike, who have invested in my journey. I feel that developing a culture of collaboration is everyone’s responsibility and it benefits the entire society and not just an individual. I think as leaders, we have the responsibility to set the right tone and back it up with action.

You've held leadership roles across hospital systems, veterans' health, and refugee advocacy. What lessons in adaptability or collaboration have been most valuable as you've navigated these diverse healthcare settings?

I think mission centricity is key in my line of work. Developing consensus first on the ‘Why’ often paves the way for the ‘what and the how’. When we work together to advocate for patient care, everyone wins. I think keeping the focus on that core objective of ‘patient first’ providing world class healthcare to the patient population really helps in developing an environment of  collaboration, cooperation and effective decision making.

For women in medicine or advocacy—especially those from immigrant or minority backgrounds—what networks, journals, or leadership development resources do you consider essential for personal and professional growth?

I think it’s important first to find your own voice, to be brave for ourselves and others around us,to seek out others in professional bodies  and collaboration groups such as the American Medical Association, APPNA (Association of Physicians of Pakistani descent of North America) and  DMV Female Muslim Physicians to develop relationships over time. I think it is essential to volunteer and be part of the community and join the conversation. I also am a firm believer in seeking out mentors, sponsors and others who can be guides and coaches. It’s also important to pay it forward along the way. For a better tomorrow we must start with taking action today.

About Dr. Zarmina Ahmed-Yusufi

Dr. Zarmina Ahmed-Yusufi has a proven track record in hospitalist care, veterans health, and government healthcare services. Passionate advocate for refugee health, women's health, and community development, committed to delivering exceptional patient care and improving healthcare systems.