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receives Susan Ditchburn Young Alumna Award
Written by Dr. Alessandra Palombo 2000
KHAN
Fariha
1998
OLD GIRLS AWARDS
Dr. Fariha Khan 1998, recipient of the 2017 Havergal
Young Alumna award, exemplifies the characteristics of
an Old Girl who is truly making a difference in the lives
of others.
At Havergal, Fariha was both a leader and role model.
She was an active member of the HC community,
contributing through volunteer roles and extracurricular
activities and supporting myriad causes. Fariha was
known for her enthusiasm, her warm personality and
her bright mind (as well as her die-hard fanaticism for
the Leafs and U2!). She obtained a
B.Sc.degree with
high distinction from the University of Toronto in 2001,
followed by a medical degree from McMaster University,
a residency in family medicine at the University of
Toronto and a fellowship in low-risk obstetrics.
She soon developed a passion for patient- and
community-based advocacy and outreach, and now
practises full-scope family medicine in Caledon, ON. She
is interested in treating the most vulnerable patients in
our community, including maternal-child, mental health
and immigrant populations.
Fariha is a patient advocate and community health
leader. On the United Way of Peel Region’s public policy
cabinet, she tackles issues such as poverty reduction
and prevention, youth homelessness and mental health.
She provides insights into the diagnosis of mental health
conditions and aims to reduce the stigma surrounding
these diagnoses. On the board of directors of Naseeha
Muslim Youth Helpline, she combines her passion for
working with Muslim youth and her advocacy in mental
health.
A young Muslim-Canadian, Fariha promotes a positive
image of Muslims in Canada, encouraging others
within her culture to actively engage with the broader
community. As an ambassador for the National Council
of Canadian Muslims and supporter of the Canadian
Muslim Vote, Fariha furthers diversity, inclusiveness and
civil liberties. In 2015, she helped to launch “Stronger
Together,” a national grassroots social advocacy
campaign that tackles racism and advances civil liberties
and human rights.
On a global scale, Fariha dedicates herself to issues
of social justice, poverty, international development
and civic engagement. Notably, she is a director of