Tabassum Firoz, MD, receives 2022 Doctors of Distinction Award

On September 22, Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journals announced the winners of the 2022 Doctors of Distinction Award. Of the recipients honored, three were from Yale New Haven Health, including NEMG’s Tabassum Firoz, MD for the category Female Innovator.

The award for Female Innovator recognizes a female doctor who has made great strides in empowering other women to advocate for themselves and be aware of their specific medical needs. Dr. Firoz was nominated for this award for her leadership in launching one of the Northeast’s first programs dedicated to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in women who had complicated pregnancies. 

Today, the Postpartum Cardiac Risk Reduction Clinic provides cardiac risk reduction strategies for mothers who have or had preeclampsia, eclampsia, or gestational hypertension diseases. Since its launch, the clinic expanded capacity and the clinic’s work has been presented at Preeclampsia Foundation events.

Women who experienced hypertensive disorders in their pregnancy face a greater risk of developing heart disease as early as 10 years after the complicated pregnancy. This clinic is working to change the odds by offering long-term postpartum care.

The clinic accepts all women regardless of insurance, provides culturally contextualized, tailored plans that include lifestyle management, care coordination, nutrition consults, medication management as well as connections to community organizations. 

Dr. Firoz encourages women to advocate for their healthcare throughout their lives, especially women who have been historically marginalized in medical settings.