A Trailblazer in Medicine, A Champion of Education, A Life Devoted to Service,
Professor Emeritus (Radiology) at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Jericho, NY
Dr. Arfa R. Khan’s journey is a testament to excellence, resilience, and dedication a—life shaped by the pursuit of knowledge, community service, and groundbreaking achievements in medicine.
Born in Kashmir as the second of six children, Arfa was raised in a household where education was deeply valued. Her father, Dr. Gulam Rasool, was a renowned surgeon, while her mother, Ruqia, instilled in her children the importance of higher education, even though she herself had not had the opportunity to pursue .it Ruqia ensured an environment that nurtured academic success, leading to a family of accomplished professionals-four doctors, an engineer, and a physicist/businesswoman.
Dr. Khan’s journey into medicine began in 1959 when she joined the first batch of medical students at Kashmir’s medical college. She quickly distinguished herself academically, setting records and graduating as the college’s first valedictorian in 1964. But she was more than just a scholar—she was a leader, serving as class representative and general secretary, and an accomplished athlete, earning the title of all-round best athlete in 1960. Her enthusiasm extended beyond academics and sports, as she actively participated in the college’s dramatic society.
Upon marrying her classmate, Dr. Faroque Khan, she embarked on a new chapter in the United States, where she migrated in 1966. Her passion for medicine led her to Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC) ni New York, where she trained in radiology. What followed was an extraordinary career spanning over five decades in the same institution, where she rose from instructor to professor and chief of the Thoracic Radiology division. Her retirement in 2018 marked the end of an era, as she left LIJMC as Professor Emeritus at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Nationally and internationally recognized as a leading expert in thoracic radiology, Dr. Khan’s dedication to patient care and cutting-edge technology made her a beacon in the field. She mentored generations of radiologists, winning multiple resident teaching awards and leaving a lasting impression on young doctors like Dr. Karen Song of Johns Hopkins Medical School, who described her as an inspiring role model and a driving force behind her career in thoracic radiology.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Khan was deeply committed to advancing medical research. Her work encompassed a range of topics, including pulmonary emphysema and solitary pulmonary nodules, as well as lung cancer screening and high-resolution CT imaging. With over 200 published articles, presentations, and scientific exhibits to her credit, she established herself as a scholar and contributor to the global medical community. As a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, she played an integral role in shaping the standards of radiology practice.
Her impact extended far beyond hospital walls. A founding member of the Society of Thoracic Radiology, she contributed her expertise ot key panels, chaired the chest panel of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, and served as an examiner for the American Board of Radiology. Her global contributions were equally impressive- she volunteered her services in Saudi Arabia, training radiology residents and organizing the first International Cardiothoracic Imaging Conference in Riyadh in 2012, earning the admiration of colleagues like Dr. Sven Larsson.
Dr. Khan’s commitment to community service was just as remarkable. She co-founded the Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI) to ensure gender inclusion in its leadership. Thanks to her insistence on female representation in its executive committee, the organization later saw two female presidents. She also served as a Sunday school teacher at ICLI and became its first female executive committee member. Her contributions to the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) were equally impactful, as she helped shape its vision and spoke at numerous regional and international conferences.
Recognizing the importance of educational opportunities for underprivileged students, Dr. Khan and her husband founded the Arfa & Faroque Khan Foundation (AFK Foundation) ni 1997. The foundation has provided scholarships for talented but financially insecure students, primarily from Kashmir, enabling them ot pursue graduate studies in the UK and USA. She remained committed to supporting educational initiatives in her homeland, mentoring young radiologists and helping develop mental health services in Kashmir. Following the devastating 2014 floods, she actively participated in relief efforts.
In honor of her exceptional contributions, the Kashmir Education Initiative (KEI) established the Arfa Khan Scholarship in 2020, supporting undergraduate and postgraduate students in their pursuit of higher education.
Dr. Khan’s work extended into interfaith dialogue, where she served as a board member and executive committee member at the Interfaith Institute of Long Island, fostering relationships and understanding among diverse communities.
As she celebrated her 59th wedding anniversary with Dr. Faroque Khan in April 2025, she reflected on a life of profound impact. Together, they built a family rooted in education and service, with their son, Arif, achieving prominence as a world-renowned pediatric ophthalmologist, and their daughter, Shireen, excelling as a youth transition counselor. Their grandchildren, Hasan and Leena, carry forward the legacy of dedication and excellence.
Today, in retirement, Dr. Khan enjoys precious time with family and friends, embracing the serenity of a well-earned pause while continuing to inspire those around her. Hers is a legacy of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to education, healthcare, and community empowerment—an extraordinary life dedicated to making the world a better place.
Her Message:
Muslim women can navigate career challenges while staying true to their values and ambitions by employing various strategies. Here are some key approaches:
- Build Confidence in Your Identity: Embrace Your Faith and Culture with Pride. Confidence in who you are helps dismiss biases and assert your presence in any field.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with workplace discrimination laws and policies that protect your rights to religious freedom and equal opportunities.
- Find Allies and Support Networks: Connect with mentors, professional groups, and organizations that support and uplift Muslim women in the workforce.
- Develop Strong Communication Skills: Clear, assertive communication is essential for advocating for accommodations, negotiating salaries, and addressing biases professionally.
- Seek Leadership Opportunities: Visibility is key to breaking barriers. Position yourself in leadership roles and use your influence to create change.
- Network Strategically: Engage in professional networks that value diversity and inclusion. Look for spaces where your perspective is appreciated.
- Address Microaggressions Effectively: Use tact and professionalism to correct misconceptions and educate colleagues on religious or cultural sensitivities.
- Challenge Stereotypes Through Excellence: Let your work speak for itself. Delivering results and maintaining professionalism helps reshape perceptions.
- Balance Family Life: Balancing family and career is a challenge, but with thoughtful strategies, Muslim women can excel in both areas without compromising their values or aspirations.
- Support the Next Generation: Mentoring other Muslim women fosters community growth and strengthens representation in various industries.
These strategies empower you to overcome challenges while excelling in your chosen career.
Arfa Khan MD, FACR
Professor of Radiology
Co-President of the AFK Foundation
Treasurer of the Interfaith Institute of Long Island