About Dr. Okhovat The desire to learn, enthusiasm and dedication to new things, and exposure to the medical field through family members, led Shahir Okhovat, MD, to a career as a doctor. “From the first time I set foot in my uncle’s practice and witnessed the dedicated service he provided as an ENT doctor to people of all ages, he inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, which only was solidified through later stages of my life,” Dr. Okhovat says. The field of pediatrics appealed to him, because he has a passion for working with children and recognizes the significance of their early development. “I am dedicated to providing comprehensive care that supports their physical, emotional, and developmental needs,” he says. “I firmly believe in the power of early intervention and establishing a solid foundation for their lifelong health and success.” Dr. Okhovat earned his MD at Azad University, Najaf Abad Medical Faculty Branch, and did research work at The University of Chicago. He completed his residency training in pediatrics at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and provided pediatric care at several locations in Illinois. Dr. Okhovat is certified by American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and a fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). As a provider, his philosophy is to foster a therapeutic connection with his patients and their families, which comes from communication, trust and collaboration. He is dedicated to caring for children and will always take time to listen and provide the best possible healthcare experience for them. “My philosophy is to treat each child as an individual and address their unique needs. My approach is to empower families to make informed decisions about their child's health while ensuring their well-being and happiness,” he says. In his own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  Dr. David Gozal. During my time working in his esteemed research lab, Dr. Gozal served as my mentor. He is a renowned expert and a trailblazer in the field of childhood sleep medicine and pediatrics overall. His passion, knowledge and dedication have greatly inspired and shaped my own professional journey. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  My first job growing up was tutoring in high school, and I remember the immense gratification that came from assisting others in their learning journey. What is your favorite food? Movie?  My favorite food is salmon – delicious and nutritious.  When it comes to movies, I find great inspiration in the film "Rudy." What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  During my school years, I excelled in subjects like biology, chemistry, and geometry, finding great fascination and enjoyment in these areas. Fortunately, I can't say I had a worst subject, as I approached each subject with enthusiasm and dedication. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  If given the chance, I would love to sit down to dinner with Marie Curie. She was a groundbreaking scientist and an inspiring figure who made significant contributions to the field of medicine and science as a whole. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?  In addition to medicine, I am passionate about advocating for children's rights and improving access to healthcare for undeserved communities. What are your hobbies, interests?  My hobbies include biking, basketball, and reading. What is something most people don’t know about you?  Most people are unaware that I find great joy in dedicating my spare time to explore new realms of knowledge and acquire diverse skills, allowing me to express my creativity and continuously strive for personal growth.