Primary Care Doctor Journals, Gardens and Loves His Patients

Named “Educator of the Year” in his residency class at Ocean University Medical Center, Daniel Khan, M.D., believes that medicine is a team sport where all are focused on the goal of excellent patient care. 

“I made sure to reach out to every new resident when I was a resident—it’s such a formative time,” he says. “You can find something to learn from everyone in residency, from the front desk to the medical assistants, nurses and other residents.”

Born in the Bronx to a mother from Honduras and a father from Pakistan, Dr. Khan brings a global perspective to his primary care practice. He was inspired to become a doctor when he was only 3 years old, when a case of osteomyelitis required hospitalization and antibiotics for a month. He developed an infection of the bone, spurred by a staph infection.

“I remember what a caring pediatrician my doctor was and how well he communicated with my parents,” says Dr. Khan. “I wanted to be a doctor who can handle all things for my patients.”

What’s one thing you do every day that helps you?

I journal for five minutes to get my thoughts on paper, and I use a fountain pen. I can be inspired by certain ideas, news stories or good quotes. Journaling also helps me be more mindful, and I have to practice what I preach when I suggest to patients that they be more mindful—having a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts and feelings, being fully present.

What fun things do you do away from work?

I like to ski, especially in the Poconos, to be outside and to be in nature. I also play soccer on a community team once a week. I garden and like to grow and prune my own Bonsai trees. I also play the ocarina, a wind instrument, a type of vessel flute. I was inspired by hearing them in video games when I was a child.

What do you want your patients to say about you in 10 years?

I want them to say that I am understanding. We all go through “dips” in life, and they may not have an issue right now, but in the future, I want them to know that I’ll be there for them as much as I can.

For now, I tell my patients to increase their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, reduce consumption of processed foods and make exercise a consistent part of their daily routine.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

We are having a new baby in February, and we can’t wait!

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Daniel Khan, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Kahn or a family medicine doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.