The Ismaili Health Professionals Association (IHPA) fosters the professional and personal enhancement of Ismaili Health Professionals and promotes a tradition of service to others
The IHPA is an association of Ismaili health professionals established in 1993 under the aegis of Aga Khan Health Board for USA. Based on the ethics of self-reliance and sharing, the association has been working to foster professional and personal enhancement of Ismaili health professionals and at the same time promote a tradition of service to others. IHPA strives to achieve the following goals:
- Foster the professional and personal development of Ismaili Health Professionals
- Enhance networking among Ismaili Health Professionals, both nationally and internationally
- Provide a resource base for health-related humanitarian activities
- Encourage and assist students to pursue careers in health-related fields by serving as mentors, role models and advisors
Activities
Examples of IHPA sponsored activities include:
- Opportunities for IHPA members to serve in health-related volunteer positions, both nationally and internationally
- Providing health domain specific expertise to institutions involved in health-related activities in the developing world
- Working in conjunction with other institutions to promote knowledge and awareness of health-related topics within the Jamat and also in the broader community
- Forums to promote networking and capacity building among Ismaili health professionals
- Creating tools to assist students interested in allied health professions to identify mentors and foster their academic development
Membership
All IHPA members are expected to uphold the highest level of professional and ethical conduct. IHPA membership is offered to:
- Ismaili health professionals (including all allied health fields). This includes not only professionals who are currently involved in health-related fields, but also people who have previously worked in or trained in health related fields
- Students who are interested in pursuing careers in health-related fields
- Ismaili professionals from non-health related backgrounds (i.e. business, administration, teaching) whose professional activities lead them to interact in a meaningful way with health professionals or with the healthcare industry
Meet the IHPA USA Leadership Team
Mehrunnissa Taj, DNP, MS, APN, AOCNP – AKHB National Chair
Dr. Mehrunnissa Taj is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in oncology and hematology. She currently serves as an Oncology Clinical Scientist, with clinical and research interests across multiple solid tumors. Her passion for global health and reducing health disparities has led to work in East Africa, Central Asia and South Asia, focused on health system assessment, clinical education and strengthening healthcare capacity. Dr. Taj earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Johns Hopkins University and a Global Health Certificate from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She also serves as adjunct faculty at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. As Chair of AKHB USA, she provides strategic leadership focused on physical and mental health, preventive care and access to quality healthcare across the U.S. jurisdiction. She also works closely with the Aga Khan Development Network, including Aga Khan University and Aga Khan Health Services, to strengthen health initiatives, professional collaboration, and access to expertise for the Jamat in the U.S. and globally.
Amit Merchant, DDS – AKHB National Honorary Secretary
Dr. Amit Merchant is a general dentist and the owner of Fame Dental in Frisco, Texas. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Boston University, a Master of Science from Georgia State University, and a Master of Public Administration from Kennesaw State University, following an initial dental degree earned in Pune, India. He is licensed to practice general dentistry in Texas. Dr. Merchant is a Fellow of both the Academy of General Dentistry and the International College of Dentists. His clinical work has been recognized with a nomination for the Texas Academy of General Dentistry’s New Dentist of the Year. Dr. Merchant is also active in organized dentistry, currently serving as President of the Dallas Academy of General Dentistry, after previously serving on its Board of Directors and as a Membership Committee Member for the Texas Academy of General Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the Dallas County Dental Society, the International College of Dentists, and the American Academy of Clear Aligners, and he began his leadership path as a student representative with the American Student Dental Association at Boston University.
Ali Zul Jiwani, MD, MSc, DAABIP – AKHB National Member for IHPA (National IHPA Lead)
Dr. Jiwani is a board-certified interventional pulmonologist at the Rod Taylor Thoracic Care Center at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, where he serves as Director of Interventional Pulmonary and also leads the incidental lung nodule & lung cancer screening programs. His clinical expertise spans interventional pulmonology and thoracic oncology, with a focuses on patients with benign and malignant airway and parenchymal lung disorders and pleural diseases. He has extensive expertise in robotic bronchoscopy, with a procedural volume among the highest in the world, and shares that expertise with colleagues worldwide to advance minimally invasive lung cancer diagnosis. He has also developed expertise in applying artificial intelligence to radiology reports to identify incidental lung nodules early and help patients receive timely follow-up. Outside of medicine, he enjoys woodworking, cooking, and spending time with his family.
National IHPA Deputies
Aliya Hirji, BSN, RN, FNP – IHPA National Co-Deputy
Mrs. Hirji is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and experienced Registered Nurse with over 11 years of clinical women’s health experience at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital in Boston. While in Boston, Aliya pursued her graduate education and earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS University), further advancing her expertise and career as a Nurse Practitioner. Aliya currently resides in Madison, Wisconsin, where she works in OB/GYN. She is passionate about women’s health and is committed to providing knowledgeable, compassionate, and individualized care to her patients throughout every stage of their healthcare journey.
Indira Asser, MD – IHPA National Co-Deputy
Dr. Indira Asser is a board-certified Family Physician at Rockdale Family Practice located in Conyers, GA. Her areas of focus include women’s health, tropical diseases, and community outreach, combining medical expertise with a genuine passion for patient care. With a focus on prevention, early detection, and managing both acute and chronic conditions, Dr. Asser provides comprehensive, patient-centered care for all stages of life. Her international background, shaped by living, studying, and working in Tanzania, India, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates, enriches her global perspective and enhances her ability to deliver culturally sensitive, patient-centered care to diverse populations. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cycling, practicing yoga, meditation, and spending quality time with her family including her Chihuahuas, Sanjay and Alizeh ─ reflecting her commitment to balance, wellness, and lifelong growth.
Shabina Virani, RN, MSN, CPNP – IHPA National Co-Deputy
Mrs. Virani is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s Health and University of Texas at Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. She has been practicing in the specialty of pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology for over 20 years. She treats children with chronic abdominal pain, feeding difficulties and chronic liver diseases. In her free time she enjoys baking, traveling and spending time with her family.
National IHPA Service Line Leadership
Sana Khimani, DDS – IPMP Co-Lead
Dr. Khimani is a practicing dentist in Austin, TX. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. She then went to University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and earned her DDS degree with distinction in Dental Education and Research. Upon graduation, Dr. Khimani started her career in San Antonio, TX after which she moved to the greater Austin area. Dr. Khimani is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry. She strives to take continuing education courses to learn about the latest advancements in dentistry. In her free time, Dr. Khimani enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and trying new cuisines and restaurants.
Kanwal Kirani, DDS – IPMP Co-Lead
Dr. Kirani is a general dentist, serving patients in Houston, Texas. She double majored in Biology and Honors Business with a minor in Biochemistry from Baylor University. She then earned her DDS degree at UTHealth School of Dentistry in Houston, Texas and went on to complete a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Passionate about providing personalized care, Dr. Kirani stays up to date with the latest techniques in dentistry through continuing education and professional memberships with the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. When not caring for patients, Dr. Kirani enjoys reading novels and traveling and values spending time with her family and dog.
Anila Lokhandwala, RN – Oncology & Pink Shield Project Manager
Anila is a nurse who serves as Research Nurse Manager at Northside Hospital in Atlanta GA where she oversees Research Operations over 14 clinics across the state of Georgia. Her primary role as a Research Nurse Manager, includes bringing new clinical trials (Phase I-IV) for the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute (NHCI). This program is one of the largest community based oncology/hematology programs in the nation. In addition, she collaborates across the NHCI network with experienced oncologists, surgeons and radiologists to offer patients access to promising clinical trials within their own communities.
Shazia Mominkhawaja MSN, APRN, FNP-C – Pink Shield Deputy Project Manager
As a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and ICU experienced Registered Nurse, Shazia Mominkhawaja is focused on internal medicine and has clinical interest in the diagnosis and prognosis of acute and chronic diease prevention, as well as its education and management. Prior to her masters and bachelors degrees in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington, she attained a bachelors degree in computer information systems from Kennesaw State University, Georgia. She is additionally a member of the American Association of Nurse practitioners (AANP). Shazia is passionate about helping her community with their healthcare needs. In her personal time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Sanaa Mohammed Fidai, CRNA – Save-A-Heart Project Manager
Coming soon!
Shaila Ali, APRN – Save-A-Heart Deputy Project Manager
Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of experience specializing in nephrology, metabolic health, chronic disease management, and virtual healthcare. After a decade in nephrology, I transitioned into virtual healthcare, working with innovative medical technology startups. My experience combines clinical expertise with technology-driven approaches to personalized care, with a focus on diabetes management, chronic disease prevention, and improving healthcare accessibility.
Salima Gilani, AGACNP – Save-A-Heart Deputy Project Manager
Mrs. Gilani is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. She Specializes in Cardiology and works in Cardiac catheterization laboratory. Her expertise ensures that patients undergoing procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, or diagnostic catheterization receive high-quality, evidence-based care aimed at optimizing patient outcomes.In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, traveling and spending time with her family.
Naseem Khuwaja, RN – IHPA-IPN Connect Project Manager
Mrs Khuwaja is a nursing instructor at Gwinnett college, Orlando. During her nine years of teaching at the institute, she has taught various nursing courses, including adult medical surgical, Obstetrics and gynecology, fundamentals of nursing skills, pediatrics and pharmacology. Her clinical experience includes adult medical surgical, geriatrics, wound care and obstetrics. She is graduate of Agakhan university school of nursing and midwifery, where her career in nursing education began. She loves listening to Sufi music, swimming and watching Pakistani dramas.
IHPA Regional Members (Leads)
Tamanna Mithani, D.O. – IHPA Lead, Central Region
Dr. Tamanna Mithani is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with experience in caring for patients in high-acuity, fast-paced clinical settings. She earned her medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in 2009 and completed her Emergency Medicine residency training at Midwestern University in Chicago in 2013. Dr. Mithani currently practices throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. She is committed to delivering high-quality emergency care while supporting strong teamwork and collaboration across the healthcare environment and community.
Rehnaz Jiwani, RN – IHPA Lead, Florida
Rehnaz Jiwani is a dedicated nurse leader who is passionate about serving others both inside and outside the healthcare setting. She is passionate about helping others, building meaningful relationships, and using her time and talents to make a positive difference wherever she can. She believes in the power of volunteerism to strengthen communities, support those in need, and inspire meaningful connections through compassion and service.
Muhammad Dhanani, MD – IHPA Lead, Midwest Region
Dr. Dhanani is an infectious diseases specialist on the medical staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospitaland Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. His particular area of interests are antibiotic stewardship, outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) and pharmacoequity. He is a native of Boston, and attended college at New York University before going to University of Michigan for medical school. He returned to Boston to complete internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship at Boston Medical Center, after which he moved to Chicago to join the faculty at Northwestern University, where he is an assistant professor of medicine.
Farhan Merali, MD, MBA – IHPA Lead, Northeast Region
Dr. Merali is a cataract and cornea transplant surgeon at Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, where he serves as the Assistant Chief of Ophthalmology. He completed his MD and MBA degrees at Harvard Medical and Business Schools followed by residency and fellowship training at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he now resides in the DC metropolitan area with his wife and 2 children. When he is not working, he loves to ski, travel and explore new cuisines with his family.
Aly Hashim, DO – IHPA Lead, Southeast Region
Dr. Aly Hashim is a board certified family medicine physician. Born in Santa Clara, California, Dr. Hashim was then raised in Georgia. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and earned his master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences / Organizational Development and Leadership and Doctor of Osteopathy degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Georgia campus. Dr. Hashim believes that healthcare is a partnership between the patient and the physician. Together, you will be able to navigate your healthcare journey, making informed decisions that are in alignment with your values, preferences, and unique needs. His focus goes beyond just the treatment of diseases–he is dedicated to helping you make informed choices that promote long-term wellness. Whether it is managing chronic conditions, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or preventing illness, he is eager to help guide and support you every step of the way.
Kiran Virani, APRN – IHPA Lead, Southwest Region
Kiran Virani is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with nine years of clinical experience and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Emergency Medicine from the University of Texas Health Science Center. She spent eight years practicing in orthopedics and sports medicine, where she developed a passion for helping patients recover from injury and return to the activities and quality of life they value. She now practices in Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, caring for patients throughout their surgical cancer journey. She enjoys the opportunity to continue learning, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and provide compassionate, patient-centered care during some of the most important moments in her patients’ lives. Outside of her clinical work, Kiran has been actively involved in serving the Jamat. She is passionate about giving back to her community, creating opportunities for others, and helping healthcare professionals build meaningful connections and professional networks. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
Hafiz Miraly, M.D. – IHPA Lead, Western Region
Hafiz Miraly is a Pediatric Hospitalist at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. His passion for global medicine has led him to volunteer and provide medical care in Vietnam, China, and Peru. He is also passionate about artificial intelligence (AI) and longevity medicine and has organized IHPA conferences exploring these emerging areas of healthcare.