Biography - Ammarah Iqbal, MD

Ammarah Iqbal, MD, is a pediatric emergency medicine specialist who isn’t afraid to tell a corny joke to put a young patient at ease. 

“I ask patients about themselves, including their likes and dislikes. For the younger kiddos, toys and silliness go a long way. For the older kids, honesty, empathy, and just listening really make a difference,” Dr. Iqbal says.

Dr. Iqbal was drawn to medicine after working as an emergency medical technician in college. “I enjoyed being a sense of calm for patients when all else feels scary,” she says. “I had so many wonderful role models throughout my late childhood that embodied strong female physicians and showed me how much good you can do on an individual and community basis through medicine.”

She says she chose pediatrics because she loves working with kids of all ages and their families. “It’s so humbling to be able to share these special moments with my patients when they are most vulnerable and most worried,” she says. “I learn so much from my patients on each shift and am reminded of the resilience kids often have. Not only is the medicine constantly exciting and stimulating, but the conversations we get to have and the connections we make are really meaningful.”

In the emergency department, Dr. Iqbal treats a variety of conditions, including viruses that cause dehydration and/or breathing problems, sports injuries, lacerations, and different types of infections. She also often takes care of teens struggling with mental health concerns.

Her patients and colleagues are the best parts of her job, she says. “It is such a stimulating environment. And I am always in awe at the strength, bravery, and humor of my patients, especially the toddlers and the teenagers,” she says. 

Dr. Iqbal’s research interests include improving disparities care nationally and globally; resident education improvements focused on diversity, inclusion, and equity; and quality and safety work. 

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