February Student of the Month: Ahad Khatari, OMS-III

ACOI recognizes osteopathic medical students who are outstanding members of their medical schools and communities with the Student of the Month Recognition Program.

Please join us in congratulating the February winner: Ahad Khatari, OMS-III, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Georgia.

Student Doctor Khatari was nominated for his exemplary commitment to patient care and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Ahad consistently goes above and beyond in his role as a student physician and demonstrates an unwavering dedication to his patients that sets him apart from his peers. His most commendable qualities is his willingness to put in extra hours to ensure he has a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s needs. He does not view his role as a mere obligation, but instead he approaches it with a genuine passion for making a positive difference in patients lives. 

Ahad meticulously reviews patient histories, consults with colleagues, and stays updated with the latest medical advancements to provide the highest standard of care. In addition to his technical skills, Ahad is a source of inspiration and support for his colleagues. He willingly shares his knowledge and experiences, whether it is through social media or in person and he often goes out of his way to mentor others and offer assistance. His collaborative spirit and positive attitude contribute to a supportive and productive work environment. Ahad exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding healthcare professional through dedication, empathy, and a tireless work ethic. 

Meet Ahad Khatari

What is your hometown?
Smyrna, Georgia

What is your education?
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech. Currently pursuing a D.O. degree at PCOM Georgia, class of 2026.

What are your hobbies?

• Basketball
• Swimming
• Going on walks
• Traveling 
• Cooking
• Listening to Kpop (South Korea is on my bucket list!)
• Watching Pakistani dramas (a recent favorite!)

What are three things people may not know about you?
1. I am a pharmacy technician and work at my family’s business, Lilburn Community Pharmacy, on weekends. Support your local pharmacy!
2. In another life, I’d be a chef. My aunt and I once ran a catering company where we specialized in Nashville-style sandwiches.
3. I was born in Toronto and grew up there! I used to play piano and ice skate, though I’ve forgotten how to do both now.

How has ACOI helped you in your education so far?
Attending ACOI 2023 in Tampa was a transformative experience. I was amazed by the level of engagement between students, residents, and attendings, and the welcoming atmosphere of the conference. The connections I made there have been invaluable; I still stay in touch with many people I met, which has reinforced how small and interconnected the medical world is. ACOI has truly taught me the importance of building and maintaining relationships with peers and mentors.

I had the opportunity to second author a poster for ACOI 2024 and attend in-person at Scottsdale this year! The research that medical students and residents present is another reason why I love ACOI and will continue to attend. The organization’s commitment to fostering curiosity and supporting students has inspired me to explore more about internal medicine and its subspecialties. ACOI has played a significant role in helping me stay engaged and excited about the field.

Do you have an idea of what specialty you would like to go into?

• Internal Medicine (Cardiology/Infectious Diseases) 
• Med-Peds (as of recently because I love working with kids!)
• Pediatric Cardiology (the dream :))