After graduating from the Aga Khan University, Dr Safia moved to Indore, joining a neonatal intensive care unit at a private hospital. The couple then moved to Saudi Arabia as pediatric residents before moving to the United States.
Balancing work and family lives for two doctors in a new country was not easy. The couple decided to pursue their residencies at different times. Eventually, Dr Safia joined the Georgia Highland Medical Services, where she later became the medical director. Meanwhile, Dr Aziz joined Eagles Landing Family Practice as a staff physician, and later joined Four Corners Primary Care, where he, too, became the medical director.
Eventually though, both realised that they wanted to do more to serve the community, and decided to start a private practice, launching Lifeline Primary Care in Lilburn, Georgia. Today, the couple has established three additional clinics in Norcross, Clarkston, and Duluth — the latter two in areas that serve some Ismaili families.
Despite their years of experience in diverse communities, the doctors find the current Covid-19 crisis challenging. Their clinics have remained accessible, especially to serve the Jamat and their community, through telehealth services. They have also been able to access test kits, which they use on highly symptomatic patients. Their clinics are seeing approximately 2-3 cases per day.
Despite the risks to their health, Drs Safia and Aziz Pirani are continuing to serve and fulfil their calling to serve their community.
“As per Mawlana Hazar Imam's guidance, the Jamat should take care of their health, and get regular checkups and preventive services that are recommended for their age. During emergencies like the current Covid-19 pandemic, we should follow all recommendations and guidance from our institutions, and local government officials.”
