Dr. Palwasha Daftani, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician and Civil Surgeon with additional certification as a DOT Medical Examiner. She earned her BS from Stony Brook University and her medical degree from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine. She holds a Master’s in Health Services Administration from St. Joseph’s College of Maine and completed her residency at Hackensack UMC-Mountainside Hospital. Dr. Daftani is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Palwasha Daftani, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician and Civil Surgeon with additional certification as a DOT Medical Examiner. She earned her BS from Stony Brook University and her medical degree from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine. She holds a Master’s in Health Services Administration from St. Joseph’s College of Maine and completed her residency at Hackensack UMC-Mountainside Hospital. Dr. Daftani is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. Palwasha Daftani, M.D., always had a love for art as a child, and imagined herself going into fashion design. She declined a spot at a prestigious fashion design high school in the city to attend high school in Queens. That pivotal move put her on a much different trajectory, one that included a medical education program in her senior year of high school. It was there that she discovered her talent for math and science, and her excitement about a career in medicine. She views medicine as a scientific study and its practice as a form of art.
“We got to explore different health professions, and we took trips to local colleges and once to a research lab,” she said. “They taught us scientific techniques and offered fun opportunities to explore and learn about health care careers and how to prepare an educational path to pursue them. I hadn’t had any female role models growing up who were physicians and so I never thought about it. But once I learned more, I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I could already imagine myself doing it.”
She got a jump on college classes during her senior year of high school and went on to earn her biology degree, a medical degree, and a master’s degree in health services administration. She chose family medicine as her specialty because of its comprehensive focus and opportunity for continuity of care.
“In family medicine, we take on a role not just of examining the disease of a patient, but we also explore his or her social and emotional factors,” she said. “It’s a biopsychosocial approach to medicine, and it’s very important in treating patients as a whole.” Dr. Daftani prides herself on being a good listener. “I let my patients talk,” she said. “It’s very rewarding. It also helps to make a better diagnosis when you listen to the full details of their stories.”
The whole-patient focus was one of the aspects that attracted Dr. Daftani to Vanguard Medical Group. “Everyone here works as an advocate for the patient,” she said. “There is also an emphasis on preventive care, which is so important in overall health.”
When she’s not working, Dr. Daftani enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. She is an avid reader and also enjoys exercising and traveling.
I highly recommend Dr Daftani. She is kind, brilliant and honest with a beautiful bedside manner. Very knowledgeable doctor whom I have the utmost respect for. I would recommend (and I have ) Dr Daftani to anyone!! Outstanding doctor
Great doctor!!!
Speaks to softly & under her breath. Seems to be rushing to get to the next patient. Probably not her fault, I’m sure the “practice” needs her to see many more people each day so they can bill the insurance companies as much as they can
She is kind, thorough and makes you feel heard.
Dr. Daftani is the best and an exceptional physician who truly cares about her patients. She takes the time to explain diagnosis in detail and patiently answers all questions. Her bedside manner is outstanding – she makes her patients feel comfortable and respected throughout the entire visit. Plus she is very personalable. The staff at the office are incredibly friendly and efficient. I highly recommend Dr. Daftani to anyone seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable doctor.
Well prepared. Thorough. Cheerful.
she is patient, sympathetic and understanding. Good clinical knowledge. Excellent bedside manners.
She was very helpful!
The best
Excellent service!