Samin Riyaz, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant with The Christ Hospital Physicians – Genetic Counseling who provides outpatient genetic screening and counseling care for oncology patients at The Christ Hospital Health Network. She sees patients at the Mt. Auburn location.
Samin was inspired to pursue a career in medicine by witnessing firsthand the challenges of receiving quality healthcare in her native country of Pakistan. “Seeing the profound impact of disparities due to scarcity of rural facilities, the high cost of care, and the lack of public awareness of health issues sparked a deep desire to make a difference and help bridge the gap in access to compassionate and quality healthcare,” she says. She continues to advocate for the underserved and donates her time, expertise, and funding for medical supplies in underprivileged areas in the U.S. and during visits to Pakistan.
Her approach to care is founded in collaboration and open communication. “This involves active listening, engaging patients in their own decision-making, and respecting their preferences to create a collaborative treatment plan,” she adds. “I place an emphasis on empathy and understanding, acknowledging patient’s fears, anxieties, health history, specific circumstances, and personal experiences to build a trust-based relationship while guiding decisions based on the best available evidence and clinical guidelines.”
Samin advises her patients on the importances of taking an active role in their health by staying informed, prioritizing preventative care, openly communicating with their provider, and consistently making healthy lifestyle choices.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University. She is certified by the National Board on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
When not providing care, Samin enjoys quality time with her family, writing, watching movies and shows, and playing badminton. She is a fan of Mexican and Italian cuisine and loves exploring new dishes with those flavors. She has lived extensively in three countries – Pakistan, Canada, and the U.S., which she says has shaped her appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.