We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Aida Khanum. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Aida, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is the most important to me because it forms the foundation of trust—both in how others see you and how you see yourself. Without integrity, intelligence can be manipulative, and energy can be misdirected. But with integrity, your intelligence is used ethically, and your energy is channeled toward meaningful, honest goals. It keeps you grounded in your values, even when no one is watching.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
At our Direct Primary Care Concierge Pediatric Practice, we’ve spent the past 2 years building something truly special—more than just a medical office, we’ve built a trusted relationship with families. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to personalized care and unmatched access.
We don’t just treat symptoms—we take the time to understand the whole child and the family dynamic. Whether it’s answering a question late at night, scheduling a same-day visit, or simply having the time to listen, we believe that every parent deserves a pediatrician who knows their child’s name, their story, and their unique needs.
Over the years, we’ve watched newborns become toddlers, students, and siblings. We’ve walked alongside parents through the highs and the challenges, offering continuity, trust, and compassion every step of the way. In an increasingly rushed and impersonal healthcare system, we pride ourselves on being a reliable, accessible, and caring presence in our patients’ lives.
This is more than healthcare—it’s a partnership rooted in respect, connection, and integrity.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my mother truly shaped who I was—and continues to shape who I am. She was the kind of person who radiated kindness, patience, and quiet strength. She didn’t just speak about compassion and generosity—she lived it every day, in every interaction, big or small. Watching her care for others so selflessly taught me what it means to lead with empathy and to serve with humility.
She set an incredible example—not through grand gestures, but through the consistent way she showed up for people. Whether it was staying up late to help a neighbor, volunteering without expecting anything in return, or simply being present for me during the hard days—her love was steady, gentle, and unwavering.
That foundation of love and care gave me the confidence to be who I am today. Her influence shaped how I connect with others, how I parent, and how I show up in my work and relationships. I carry her spirit with me—in the way I listen, in the way I give, and in the values I try to pass on.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“You’re doing better than you think. And it’s okay not to have everything figured out yet.”
If I could speak to my younger self, I’d offer gentle reassurance—because I know how much pressure I put on myself to be strong, to be perfect, to have the answers. I’d remind myself that it’s okay to feel unsure, to fall, to question things. Those moments of doubt don’t make me weak—they make me human.
I’d tell myself to be kinder to myself. To forgive myself for the mistakes I am still learning from. To understand that growth doesn’t always look like progress—it sometimes looks like stillness, like confusion, like starting over. And that’s okay.
I would say “You care deeply. You try your best. And that matters more than you know. The things that feel small now—your kindness, your curiosity, your quiet resilience—will become your greatest strengths. So, breathe. Trust yourself. You are becoming exactly who you’re meant to be, one step at a time.”
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is showing up with purpose and heart—that I am someone who values authenticity, loyalty, and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.
They likely see how much I care about people, not just in passing, but deeply. I don’t just want to be successful- I want to be meaningful in someone’s life. Whether it’s through my work, my relationships, or the way I carry yourself, my friends know that integrity is something I live by, not just talk about.
They’d say I value connection—real conversations, trust, and being there for the people I love.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
As a working pediatrician mom, the regret I may carry one day might not be about the work itself—but about the moments I missed at home while caring so deeply for others. I may one day look back and wish I had slowed down more often, taken a breath, and carved out just a little more time for the spontaneous joy of childhood—the silly games, the messy kitchens, the late-night talks, or the quiet moments before bed when my child just wanted to be near me.
I might regret saying “maybe later” too many times, thinking there would always be time for that story, that walk, that school event. And while my career has been about giving to families and children who needed me, I may wish I had let myself be fully present more often with my own.
There could be a quiet ache for not having put myself first now and then, for not allowing rest, or asking for help, or letting go of the guilt that comes from trying to balance it all perfectly.
But here’s what I will never regret. The fact that my children see what compassion, responsibility, and strength look like. They’ll grow up knowing that their mom helped people every day—and if I remind myself to be just as generous with my time for them, those little regrets can become small reminders—not burdens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pediatricpod.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pediatricpod/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aida-khanum-md-mph-1609a0b4
- Twitter: https://x.com/pod_aida?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pediatrichouston
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwOhudFZTuOFv_LLBIXq5_Q/videos
