Staten Island doctor opens new family practice where she strives to make ‘everyone feel safe’

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Dr.

Nor Darwish, 37, said her vast interest in the sciences, combined with a penchant for helping people, made the career of a doctor appealing to her as a child. Having never lost that ambition, this single-mom who is fluent in Arabic, has just opened her own practice on Staten Island. “I decided to pursue medicine because I’ve always loved science—initially dreaming of becoming a scientist.

But as I grew older, I realized my true passion lay in directly helping people,” said Darwish, who obtained her medical degree at Ross University, Manhattan and completed her family medicine residency at Wilson Medical Center in Binghamton, N.Y. She later worked at AdvantageCare Physicians.

One of Dr. Nor Darwish's top missions is to make patients feel comfortable and to provide culturally sensitive care for Muslim patients. (Courtesy of Dr.

Nor Darwish) Earlier on in her medical career she learned about disparities in healthcare. “Learning about the significant social disparities in healthcare, especially for women and minorities, really drove this home for me. I wanted to be part of the solution, creating a healthcare environment where everyone feels safe and respected.

That’s why my patient panel now includes a diverse mix of men and women from different backgrounds,” said Darwish who was born in the United States, but moved to Syria for five years in her teens with her parents. Since opening Darwish Wellness Medical Office in Oakwood in April, the.