Sophia Malik, MD, MPH

Improving our health involves considering how culture and society, our home life, and our internal experiences impact us. I see my role as a guide and collaborator in that process. I aim to work together with patients in order to understand their personal story, and what we can do to rewrite it for the better. My best work is with people who are ready to engage actively in their own healing—who are curious, open, and willing to look inward as part of their health journey.

I have a personal interest in understanding how our physical symptoms are often messages from our body trying to communicate to us about our deeper needs that perhaps have not been met for some time. Each culture has traditional healing practices that are just as valuable as modern medicine. I also have additional training in Somatic Experiencing, which is a body-oriented approach that can help people resolve or improve symptoms of trauma or stress responses.

I first learned the story of Carolyn Down's advocacy for her community when I was a medical student, and it still inspires me. Her life and health activism as a member of the Black Panther Party ended too soon due to the systemic inequities she was trying to change. Her legacy inspires me to strive to provide quality health care for everyone we serve.

 I love to spend time with my partner and kids, and I use that experience to care for other families as their doctor. We enjoy walking, traveling, and watching reality competition shows. Our current favorite is the Great British Baking Show and previous favorites are Chopped and Project Runway.