Rafa Ifthikhar

Rafa Ifthikhar (MD) is a Fellow in our Leadership Training Academy Class of 2027 and specializes in OB/GYN and Complex Family Planning. Reflections on work, advocacy, and sources of joy are shared below.

What are your clinical or research interests?

Intersectional reproductive justice, caring for underserved and marginalized populations, health equity, community-informed care, abortion access disparities, qualitative research on patient experiences, policy and systems-level advocacy.

What current policy issue motivates you to be an advocate?

Abortion restrictions, maternal health inequities, policies restricting access to healthcare and safety-net health insurance, and immigrant health.

What local justice-centered organization do you wish we knew about?

Health Access California, Access Reproductive Justice.

What is bringing you joy these days?

Being a foodie and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants, exploring local neighborhoods, traveling, spending time outdoors, and making memories with family and friends.

Our Meet Our Advocates series showcases the talents and passion of one of our doctors and finds out, in their own words, what inspires them to be physician advocates. Learn more about the Leadership Training Academy.