Dr. Ali: The physician advocate

Halima Ali, M.D., is not the type to sit on the sidelines. When she sees a physician struggling with a problem, she steps up. In today’s climate, health care changes rapidly, and it can be difficult and discouraging to navigate. That is where Dr. Ali comes in.

“I joined the leadership team so I can help my fellow physicians,” Dr. Ali said. “I want to be the physician advocate.”

Dr. Ali was an early graduate of the Beaumont Physician Leadership Academy in 2012. In her role as chair of the Health Information Management committee at Beaumont, Wayne, Dr. Ali identifies problems physicians have and works to help them understand the solutions.

“We work together in understanding the health care system,” Dr. Ali said.

Dr. Ali received her medical degree from Jinnah Sindh Medical University in Pakistan before going to Wayne State University School of Medicine to complete her residency. She knew she wanted to teach residents, which led her to the former Oakwood Hospital, now Beaumont, Wayne. Dr. Ali loves teaching the physicians of tomorrow.

As a champion of patient and family-centered care, Dr. Ali strives to “make our practice a medical home for our patients,” she said. At Beaumont Medical Center – Westland, Dr. Ali and her associates do not want patients going from doctor to doctor, office to office. Their goal is to be a one-stop-shop for patients.

Dr. Ali has advice that she shares with her residents.

“Don’t shy away from medicine, because of administrative burdens,” Dr. Ali said. “Medicine is a joy. Don’t give up. The social side of medicine is challenging, yet rewarding, and always ask for help when you need it.”

When not in the office, Dr. Ali enjoys reading, listening to new music and traveling. She loves teaching and says if she were not a physician, she likely would have become a history teacher. She has two daughters, Sophia, who is a medical student at Ross Medical Education Center, and Sana, who is finishing high school.