Ezza Fatima Tariq, MD

About Dr. Tariq

Inspired by an uncle, a doctor who helped many patients recover, Ezza Fatima Tariq, M.D., decided to pursue a career in medicine. “I’ve always enjoyed solving medical puzzles to find diagnoses,” she says.

She earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at Nishtar Medical University, Multan, Punjab (Pakistan) and completed her Internal Medicine Residency at UPMC McKeesport Hospital, McKeesport, PA.

Dr. Tariq chose to be a hospitalist for the variety of cases and because she is able to support patients and families through their hospital stay. Dr. Tariq says she treats patients as individuals, not just treating their illnesses.

“As a hospitalist, I care for patients in the hospital, diagnose their conditions, and work with a team of nurses, case managers and specialists to help them recover,” she says, adding, “I focus on providing good care while ensuring they feel understood, especially when they’re scared or away from family.”

Dr. Tariq has learned the importance of compassion and careful listening from those she cares for. “I hope patients see that I care and understand their fears, and that I’m here to support them during tough times,” she says.

In addition to English, Dr. Tariq speaks Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and Bengali.

In her own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My dad has been the most influential person in my life, because of his kind heartedness.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was tutoring, and I remember my students learning things well when I would teach them methodically.

What is your favorite food? Movie? What was your best/worst subjects in school? My favorite foods are burgers and apple pie, my favorite movie is Good Will Hunting. I did best in biology, but did not like math very much.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I find Taylor Swift very charismatic. I would like to spend time with her and hopefully pick up on some of the learnable techniques that allow one to interact with people with such fluidity especially in high-stakes situations, with her large fan-base.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I enjoy cooking and baking, and I like hosting game nights with board games.

What is something most people don’t know about you? I won a sketching contest in high school and still enjoy doodling in my free time.