Pakistani-American psychiatrist recognized as US top women faith leaders

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will recognize Dr. Farha Abbasi, a renowned psychiatrist and active member of Pakistani-American community in Michigan, as one of the nation’s top women faith leaders.

The event will be hosted by Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra on Thursday, to honor 15 women faith leaders for their incredible work and extraordinary leadership qualities in the service of humanity.

Acknowledging this achievement, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan, in a telephonic conversation, felicitated Dr Farha for making Pakistan and Pakistani diaspora in US proud with her singular achievement. He said it is yet another feather in our cap, proving huge talent and capabilities of Pakistani diaspora.

Masood Khan appreciated her services in providing healing touch to those who needed our attention the most.

He said efforts are being made to create robust linkages between universities of Pakistan and the United States for sharing of knowledge and expertise. He said that doctors’ community of Pakistani descent in the United States could significantly help their Pakistani brothers and sisters in addressing issues related to mental health issues, creating greater awareness, overcoming resource constraints and most importantly removing stigma attached to such issues due to variety of reasons. 

Dr. Farha Abbasi is Assistant Professor in Department of Psychiatry at Michigan State University and core faculty member of the Muslim Studies Program. She is founding director of the Annual Muslim Mental Health Conference which was attended by experts from 30 countries. She also launched a Global Muslim Mental Health Conference in Malaysia and Jordan.