Dr. Mufeed Ashraf and his daughter Asya share a commitment to excellence, working together in the neonatology department in our Level IV NICU.
Crossing continents to Texas Children’s
Born in Bangladesh, Dr. Ashraf grew up in the Middle East where his father worked. After completing high school, he pursued medical school and his pediatric residency in Istanbul, Turkey. His path then took him to the United States, where he completed a residency and fellowship in Rochester, N.Y., working at hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi before joining Texas Children’s neonatology team in 2016.
Despite being surrounded by a family of engineers, Dr. Ashraf felt a strong pull towards the medical profession. “I always felt this affinity towards medicine, though I cannot pinpoint exactly what led me to it,” he shared, emphasizing the supportive environment his family provided. He gravitated to pediatrics by his second or third year in medicine. While he considered cardiology, he chose to specialize in neonatology and never looked back.
A daughter’s path, inspired by healthcare
Asya Ashraf’s career path in healthcare was undeniably influenced by her father’s dedication. “When I was really young, I wanted to be a singer,” she recalled with a chuckle, adding that her father encouraged her to consider a more traditional career path. In middle school, access to friends who had parents in nursing and an opportunity to shadow her father for an assignment sparked her interest in the NICU where she watched nurses holding and caring for babies with admiration.
During her nursing studies, Asya completed her capstone rotation at Texas Children’s, discovering her own passion for neonatal care. Today, she works in our Level IV NICU. Asya sings mostly in the shower these days, but she is taking her next career steps toward becoming a nurse practitioner.
Shared experiences and mutual admiration
Working together at Texas Children’s has provided a unique vantage point for both Dr. Ashraf and Asya. They at times cross paths during rounds, discussing cases and sharing insights. “At work, if I’m not on service and Asya is working, I swing by to check what she’s doing and discuss interesting cases,” said Dr. Ashraf.
Asya frequently seeks out her “Baba’s” professional perspective above all others. Though she doesn’t announce their relationship, she says most colleagues in the NICU soon figure out they are family.
Despite their differences – Dr. Ashraf describes himself as more introverted, while Asya is outgoing – they share core values such as dedication, thoroughness, and a deep commitment to their work. “We both like to complete our jobs from A to Z, taking ownership of what we do,” Dr. Ashraf noted. Asya agrees, adding their similar ways of thinking can sometimes lead to butting heads, but ultimately fosters a deeper mutual respect and understanding.
Lessons and legacy
Both Dr. Ashraf and Asya have learned valuable lessons from each other. Dr. Ashraf admires Asya’s sincerity and dedication, noting how she goes the extra mile to provide the best care for her patients and support for her friends. He also appreciates her ability to discuss and address issues rather than internalizing them, demonstrating a discerning openness that is good for her personal and professional growth.
Asya, in turn, admires her father’s ability to listen carefully to everyone on the team and notes that the nursing staff especially enjoy working with him. She values her father’s patience, passion, and the supportive guidance he has provided throughout her life. “The best advice my dad has given me is not to rush into things and to make well-thought-out decisions,” she said.
Appreciation for Houston and Texas Children’s
Dr. Ashraf has lived in multiple regions and cities in the United States. He doesn’t bother to characterize his experiences in Houston by the many things he likes, finding it simpler to mention the few things he doesn’t – the heat, for one. “Still, if I must choose between hot weather and shoveling ice, I’d choose hot weather.”
As the eldest among her siblings, Asya can also compare the places she’s lived with her family. She appreciates the array of food options in Houston, noting that it’s far easier to find halal in our large and diverse city.
Both Dr. Ashraf and Asya speak highly of their experiences at Texas Children’s. Dr. Ashraf praises a supportive environment that nurtures work-life balance. Asya echoes his sentiments, appreciating the opportunities and support she has received in her professional journey. “My onboarding was the best experience because not only did our nurse residency leaders have a positive attitude every single day, but they also gave us a true picture of the work.”
