Dr. Yousaf saw medicine as an opportunity to serve people and as a way to be a valuable member of the community. "Medicine is an art," she said. "It's a challenging science and a rewarding service in every aspect possible."

She decided to specialize in internal medicine "because it requires me to maintain knowledge in all areas of medicine and it allows me to treat each and every patient as a whole being."

Working for OSF HealthCare provides Dr. Yousaf the "opportunity to serve a large and diverse community. Being an academic center, this place also provides plenty of opportunities to interact with many other specialties and to grow professionally."

Dr. Yousaf's approach to care is to serve as a health advocate for her patients. "I treat all my patients with humility and care," she said. "I strive to provide my patients with all the tools to care for their health in the best possible manner."

When not working, Dr. Yousaf enjoys watching movies, exercising, traveling and spending time with her family.

"I have two wonderful kids – a daughter who just started first grade this year (2017), and a son whose infectious and unstoppable energy literally keeps us on the chase all the time," she said. "And, last but not least, my caring husband, whose love keeps me going every day."