Dr. Yousuf always knew she wanted to be a doctor, and a pediatrician in particular. "The cliché of 'helping people' really is my passion. When you work in pediatrics, you are not only affecting the life of your patient, but also the whole family," she said. "So maybe it's the potential to improve the lives of families that pulled me into this inspiring profession."

She is grateful to work at OSF Medical Group with an "accomplished group of providers, nurses and staff. It is evident that our patients' well-being is the top priority for every member of our team," Dr. Yousuf said.

Having lived on three continents, and in large metropolitan cities like London – where she was born – Chicago and Boston, Dr. Yousuf never imagined she would settle among corn fields. "There are so many attributes that make it easy to live here – safety, excellent schools, good basic moral values of caring for your neighbor and welcoming diversity," she said.

Her approach to care is centered on her patient. "I try to counsel my families to improve their parenting. I work closely with our office care managers to offer as much community support as needed to ensure the lives of our families continue to improve," she said. "Most of all, I strive to make the pediatric appointment a positive experience for our patients so as they grow, they can take ownership of their own health."

Dr. Yousuf is married to a neuroradiologist, and they have a 20-year-old son and a 12-year-old son. As a family, they love traveling and exploring cultures within the U.S. and abroad. She loves learning new languages and speaks fluent Urdu, snippets of Spanish and bits of French.

Her oldest son has special needs, and through him "I have a very deep connection to the special needs community here, especially to children with autism. My son has taught me so much, but most importantly, to value every single day, to savor the little joys and treat those who are in need with the utmost respect."