Nofziger, Jenna, Renee, MD

About Dr. Iftikhar Asma Iftikhar, MD, is a graduate of Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, where a residency in Internal Medicine and Obstetrics was completed. An internal medicine residency was completed at North Shore LIJ Hofstra University at Forest Hill Hospital, Forest Hill, NY. Also, Dr. Iftikhar finished a pulmonary and critical care fellowship at New York Presbyterian Queens – Flushing, NY.

About Dr. Wani Dr. Adil S. Wani’s father, uncle and late grandfather were all physicians, but it wasn’t until high school that Dr. Wani decided on a career in medicine. “It was fascinating to me how the human body maintains homeostasis and small changes in this balance can lead to an illness. Preventing these small changes and improving an individual’s well-being would further lead to uplifting society. This has been my ultimate goal.” While there were many reasons to join the team, Dr. Wani chose Beacon because he shares our mission and values. “Beacon and I share the same goal: To enhance the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of communities.” As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Wani can deliver on that. “I treat individuals suffering from heart disorders. I consider the heart to be the center of the body. Any disturbance in the heart can cause a significant impact on one’s health. Prevention and treatment of a disease in such a vital organ and its impact on well-being led me to choose this specialty.” Dr. Wani received his medical degree from the Government Medical College in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. He completed his residency at the Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He completed his Cardiology Fellowship and was the Chief Fellow at Advocate Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Though interventional cardiology is his specialty, Dr. Wani has another treatment strategy he uses with all patients. “Patients have taught me the power of listening. Listening to someone with undivided attention is one of the most profound healings one can provide another.” And because he listens to his patients, Dr. Wani can keep the focus of his work where it matters: his patients. “My philosophy is to keep my treatment plan patient-centered, simple and thorough.” In his own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My late grandfather. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I have volunteered in my community growing up, and I remember it being satisfying. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My wife, she is alive, and I love our dinner time because she knows everything! In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I love traveling to new places. I enjoy hiking, sight-seeing, long endless drives, star gazing on a clear dark night and trying out different cuisines. I also enjoy working out. What is something most people don’t know about you? I am not a big fan of public speaking!

About Elizabeth Stockwell With a love of science, Elizabeth Stockwell, Au.D., knew in high school she wanted a career in health care. The specific path became clear to her during her undergraduate course work. “I chose a major in speech language pathology and those classes introduced me to audiology,” she says. Elizabeth graduated from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Language Pathology. She then earned her Doctorate of Audiology at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. She has worked at clinics specializing in ear, nose, throat, speech, language and hearing care. Her philosophy as a provider is to deliver patient-centered care. “I want to ensure that patients feel comfortable with the care that they are receiving and that their care will help them reach their goals,” Elizabeth says. Being flexible and creative is an important part of working with patients, she says, adding that it is common for her to change her treatment plans to better meet the goals and needs of the patients. “I understand that no two patients are the same and I want them to feel confident in their goals and the plan to meet those goals,” Elizabeth says. One of the most important lessons she has learned from her patients is the importance of communication. Elizabeth says, “As an audiologist, assessing communication skills is an important part of my job, and my patients have shown me that communication is what connects us to others.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My mom is one of the influential people in my life. She is a teacher and seeing the way she cares about her students has impacted the way I interact with my patients. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first real job was as a Helpdesk Consultant for Information Technology at Saint Mary’s College. This job taught me a lot about technology, persistence and patience. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite food: everything bagels Favorite movie: Lady Bird What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best subject: English Worst subject: chemistry If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would love to sit down with Taylor Swift, because her music has been a large part of my life since childhood. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am passionate about music and the arts. I had a dance minor in undergrad and I enjoy watching live performances when I am able to. What are your hobbies, interests? I enjoy reading, crocheting and spending time with my friends, partner and cats. Do you have pets? I have two cats, Auggie and Benji. What is something most people don’t know about you? I lived in Ireland for four months.