Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Kharazi.
Hi Alexandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always had a love for people and their complexity, which sparked my passion early on to become a physician so that I could care for people and guide them through some of life’s most difficult times. I went through surgical residency and fellowship, where I learned to care for patients with life-threatening conditions. Today, as a cardiothoracic surgeon I am dedicated to helping those affected by these conditions in the hospital but also through raising awareness and community surrounding heart health.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not.
One thing I have learned over the years is the importance of “flipping” my feelings when I am faced with a challenge. Instead of letting fear or frustration take over, I try to pause and see the situation as an opportunity for growth. This mindset doesn’t make challenges disappear, but it helps me stay focused, resilient, and positive. Over time, I have found that learning to reframe setbacks has been one of the most powerful tools for staying balanced and motivated in such a demanding field.
One thing that’s helped me “flip” my feelings during challenges is remembering the example set by my parents. They taught me the value of perseverance and optimism, even when things were difficult. Watching them overcome obstacles gave me a deep belief that setbacks are temporary and can lead to growth.
When I became a parent myself, I found an even stronger motivation to reframe challenges. I want to show my daughter that while life can be tough, facing problems with courage and a solutions-focused mindset makes all the difference. Now, when I encounter a tough day at work or a difficult case, I try to see it not just as a hurdle, but as a chance to become better — for myself, my patients, and my family.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon based in San Diego, California. I specialize in heart and lung procedures and operate at multiple hospitals across the region.
Surgery is one part of who I am. I also love using my voice through writing, speaking, and advocacy. It is important to spread awareness about heart disease and encourage people to prioritize their heart health. One example has been working with the American Heart Association’s Women of Impact campaign, with the aim to make conversations about heart health more accessible and empower women to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
I enjoy connecting with the San Diego community and beyond, and I feel grateful every day to do this work and to help others through some of life’s most challenging moments.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I always welcome opportunities to connect with others with passion for improving heart and lung health. If you are a healthcare professional or organization interested in collaborating on patient care, educational initiatives, or community outreach, I’d love to hear from you. I’m also happy to speak at events or participate in programs aimed at raising awareness about heart health.
For those who want to support this work, spreading awareness about heart health in your own circles and encouraging loved ones to stay on top of their check-ups can make a big difference. And if you’d like to get involved with local organizations focused on heart disease prevention or patient support, I am always glad to point people in the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexkharazi.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-kharazi-md-facs-892846a6
Image Credits
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