Arab American Heritage Month Provider Feature: Dr. Ashraf Elshafei

As part of our celebration of Arab American Heritage Month, we had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Ashraf Elshafei, Chairman of Psychiatry at Metropolitan Hospital Center and Director of Psychiatry Residency Training at New York Medical College/Metropolitan Hospital Center. During our conversation, he shared his experience as an Arab American physician and how his culture has inspired him throughout his career in psychiatry.

PAGNY: Can you share a bit about your Arab American heritage and its significance to you?

Dr. Elshafei: My heritage has played a major role in my journey as a healthcare professional and has profoundly influenced my career path and approach to patient care. It instilled in me the importance of compassion, family, and service.

After immigrating to the United States from Egypt in 1991, I embarked on a journey to become a physician, joining the ranks of 3.5 million hardworking Arab Americans seeking a better life, career, and education. My inspiration stems from the ancient Egyptians' advanced medical practices, where professionalism and precision were paramount. Delving into the history of medicine in ancient Egypt, I became fascinated by how they addressed emotional stress. This historical exploration not only fueled my aspiration to become a physician but also motivated me to become a knowledgeable and ethical psychiatrist, offering treatment for mental illnesses with empathy and integrity.

PAGNY: How has your cultural background influenced your journey in healthcare?

Dr. Elshafei: Growing up, I was taught the importance of giving back and supporting others. Witnessing healthcare disparities in my community only further motivated me to pursue this career path. I wanted to be a part of the solution, advocating for improved access to quality care and culturally sensitive practices.

I observed the stigma surrounding mental health in Arab communities, where psychiatric illnesses are often considered taboo, and individuals feel ashamed to seek help. Instead of shying away from these complex topics, my determination only strengthened to challenge these beliefs and raise mental health awareness.

PAGNY: What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare, and how did you navigate your path to where you are today?

Dr. Elshafei: Witnessing my father’s acts of kindness toward others throughout my childhood inspired me and made me want to follow in his footsteps. As I witnessed the impacts of untreated mental illness on individuals' lives and their fear of seeking help, I found a way to honor the lessons my father taught me. I became determined to break this cycle and support those struggling. Fulfilling his dream for me to become a doctor, I embarked on a journey in healthcare.

PAGNY: Can you share any community outreach or advocacy efforts you've been involved in within the Arab American community?

Dr. Elshafei: My main focus for community outreach is providing health education for the Arab American community. This outreach has included organizing workshops on preventative health measures and working with local organizations to address the healthcare needs of our community. Additionally, I have written articles on mental illness and addiction within Arab communities. Through multiple interviews on Arab TV channels, I have spread awareness and education about mental illness and ways to address it, reaching audiences in the United States and across several Arab countries.

PAGNY: What are your hopes and aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally?

Dr. Elshafei: In the future, I hope to see fair healthcare practices and initiatives to improve health outcomes for underserved communities. I have dedicated myself to advocating for these initiatives. Through this work, I always strive to uphold my cultural heritage while creating a significant difference in the healthcare sector and fostering a more inclusive and empathetic environment.

I know there is always more to learn, and I am committed to continuing my education, as well as sharing the knowledge I gain with the next generation of healthcare professionals. My ultimate objective is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure it is no longer viewed as taboo in society.

PAGNY: What advice would you give to aspiring Arab American healthcare professionals?

Dr. Elshafei: For Arab Americans pursuing careers in healthcare, I hope that you will view your heritage as a foundation of resilience and compassion. Finding the right mentors will help you to navigate through the complexities of the healthcare industry while maintaining ties to your community.

Don’t be afraid to use your voice—your distinct viewpoint is a powerful tool that can inspire progress within healthcare. By using your unique experiences, knowledge, and education, you can deliver informed and effective messages to all your patients and aid them in realizing a brighter tomorrow.