Chronicle 2017

OLD GIRLS AWARDS

receives Susan Ditchburn Young Alumna Award KHAN Fariha 1998

Written by Dr. Alessandra Palombo 2000

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

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