Dr Mithila Zaheen did not plan a career in medicine early on. The decision developed over time, inspired by observing her mother work as a general practitioner and the role she played in the lives of patients and families.

Her mother’s ability to manage a demanding career alongside family life influenced how Mithila viewed the profession. She came to see medicine as a privilege and pathway to meaningful service. A view that was reinforced through patient interactions and led to a career centred on care and long-term outcomes.

Mithila's commitment to meaningful change has led to her being named a finalist for the NSW Young Woman of the Year, an accolade that recognises the excellence of young women as role models who innovate and inspire.

While working as a junior doctor, Mithila completed a Master of Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology) at the University of Sydney. She studied part time alongside clinical training.

Much of her study took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, with learning delivered online.

The experience strengthened her approach to research and supported her clinical work. It also shaped how she engaged with evidence and population health. 

Mithila's passion for combining medicine and research was shaped early her personal background and professional training.

Growing up in Western Sydney exposed her to significant health inequities, particularly within culturally and ethnically diverse communities. These were early observations that were later echoed during her medical training at Westmead Hospital. 

Seeing firsthand the burden of cardiovascular disease affecting younger populations, she began to examine why some groups are more affected and how clinical practice can respond more effectively.

Mentors played a decisive role in directing this curiosity to meaningful research. With the guidance of leading cardiologists, including Professor Clara Chow and Professor Sarah Zaman from the Westmead Applied Research Centre, Mithila found a research focus to directly inform patient care.

Her work now centres on heart attacks in younger people, with a focus on spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a condition that affects women and is often not recognised early.

"In Western Sydney’s diverse communities - where premature cardiovascular disease is more common, especially among South Asian populations - I aim to improve recognition, diagnosis, and long-term outcomes, with a broader goal of advancing more equitable care for underrepresented groups."

Bridging clinical medicine and research, Mithila Zaheen has followed a pathway shaped by lived experience, strengthened by education, and driven by a commitment to making meaningful change.