Shahana F. Baig-Lewis, MD

For Shahana Baig-Lewis, MD, MPH, her decision to become a physician stemmed from a strong interest in science, healing, and the discovery and desire to pursue a career of service. “Among my earliest childhood memories are those of days spent at my uncle’s free clinic in Karachi, Pakistan,” Dr. Baig-Lewis says. “These glimpses into my uncle’s life made me realize the importance of medicine and the profound impact it has on the day-to-day lives of human beings.” She chose to specialize in internal medicine because the field requires a board knowledge base, careful attention to detail, a team-based approach, and an emphasis on the patient. “As my mentors said, ‘if you ask the right questions and listen, the patient will lead you to the diagnosis.’”

In her practice, Dr. Baig-Lewis emphasizes relationship building and effective communication. She considers her most important role as a provider to be a patient advocate, health coach, and master diagnostician. She makes health recommendations based on the best available evidence and shared decision making. Her other interests include scholarship, teaching, and leadership.

Dr. Baig-Lewis earned her medical degree from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and a master’s of public health in health administration and policy from Portland State University. She completed an internship and residency program through OHSU’s Department of Internal Medicine, where she was chief resident.

Although she was born in California, Dr. Baig-Lewis was raised in Karachi, Pakistan, until the age of 16. She is married to a Portland-area plastic surgeon and they have two children. Her hobbies include distance running (marathons and half marathons), hiking, traveling, cooking, and trying new cuisines, as well as reading and binge-watching British competitions such as the “Great British Baking Show.” She is fluent in English and Urdu.