Inspired by her father, a doctor and surgeon to an underserved rural community, Dr. Tasha Faruqui joined the National Health Service Corps following her graduation from medical school. Her plan was to take over her father’s practice once her commitment was complete, but this was diverted when her second daughter, Soraya, was born with a rare, little-known genetic disorder—TAOK1 deletion. Tasha’s focus then shifted to pediatrics, with particular attention to advocacy and support for parents of medically complex children and those with a limited life expectancy. 

Today, Tasha regularly shares her dynamic message of finding joy amid the unthinkable as a keynote speaker at events across the country, including TEDx. She proudly serves as a Make-A-Wish Ambassador and community preceptor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and sits on the boards of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation, George Mark Children’s House, and the Hamilton County Department of Developmental Disability Services. Her debut book, Keep Your Head Up: A Mother’s Story of Chasing Joy in the Face of Grief (Jossey-Bass, 2025), is a USA Today National Bestseller. Tasha was named a top doctor by Cincinnati Magazine in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026. Connect and learn more at www.tashafaruqui.com, or on Instagram (@thefaruqui5).