Nihaal Shah, DO

Hometown: Irvine, CA

Medical School: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine, Arizona

Why did you choose Valley Children's Pediatric Residency Program?
I saw the collegiality among the physicians and members of the care team, and this translated into the interactions between residents. This created a learning environment with a foundation of support from program faculty, staff and residents. I wanted to work in a program where I could serve a diverse community, develop my own style of practicing medicine, and train in a supportive environment to achieve my future career goals. I found this type of program at Valley Children's Hospital.

Hobbies: Working out, watching and playing most sports, drawing/sketching, playing video games, streaming movies and TV shows

Advocacy and Research Interests and Accomplishments: My previous research experience involved looking at gaps in the current medical system, through which patient care was being disrupted and identifying alternative ways to fill these gaps. My community involvement has primarily been focused on improving medical training to decrease the stigma against physician mental health and allow medical professionals to focus all of their energy on providing patients the best care.

Care Philosophy: “The reason adults should look as though they are having fun, is to give kids a reason to want to grow up." - Patch Adams, 1998. My goal is to provide patients a chance at creating their own future by providing high-level care at the earliest stages of their lives. I truly believe quality of life is determined by the earliest decisions taken in their health, and I want to provide patients and their families the opportunity to make the best decisions for their future quality of life.

Meet Our Other Pediatric Residents >