Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Location: Sufi Mediterranean Restaurant, 5915 Balboa Ave, SD, CA 92111
Registration required: free for members, $10 for non-members.
First Presenter: Shami Javankar, M.D.
Topic: Mental Health Outcomes Among Iranian Immigrants
Since Iranians, like other immigrants, traveled to different countries, they have faced many problems, among which mental health problems have been more common than other diseases due to specific reasons, including language, culture, beliefs, and lack of access to psychiatric services, and in many cases, the problem has remained untreated and even without being discussed. Especially after the 1979 revolution, this issue has taken on more serious dimensions, both due to the increase in immigration and the trauma caused by various pressures such as war, etc.
Unfortunately, it has had an unpleasant impact on immigrants, which has sometimes been irreparable, such as separation from society, a decrease in the quality of life, addiction, inability to control life, and increased family tension, etc. However, these people can be helped with appropriate solutions, such as creating social networks, providing counseling services, preserving culture and identity, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc. This article has been collected from various sources, such as academic research, newspapers, and notes and observations of psychiatrists, but more research and investigation are needed to find basic solutions and help people in need of these services.
About Presenter:
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Completed a medical course at Tabriz University for 7 years and a master's degree in public health at Tehran University with a management orientation.
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Passing the Cardiovascular Technology course with a focus on Vascular Ultrasound at Grossmont College, USA.
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Getting a Health Worker Course Certificate at Grossmont College, USA.
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Completed a project and outpatient course in rural Iran.
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Practiced medicine for more than 25 years in Tehran health centers.
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Supervised the northwest region of Tehran at the West Tehran Health Center with 130 personnel.
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Completed a third-level mental health course based on national protocols and provided counseling and treatment to patients with mental health problems for more than 10 years
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Participated in research projects such as: Improving health processes, the Imamzadeh Davoud Health Improvement Plan, Six Health Strategies, etc.
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Collaborated in implementing the ISO 2000 plan of the West Tehran Health Center.
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Worked as a health worker for 10 years in the U.S.
Language: Farsi
Second Presenter: Sharifeh Kamalimotlagh, M.D.
Topic: What Happens to Your Health After Immigration — and What We Can Do About It
Iranian Americans face a distinct health profile shaped by cultural, lifestyle, and migration factors. Compared to other immigrant groups, they experience lower rates of obesity and smoking but higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia, prediabetes, and cardiometabolic risk, alongside elevated levels of depression and anxiety. This presentation, led by an internal medicine physician, explores evidence-based strategies for prevention and management of these chronic conditions. With attention to culturally specific factors, we will discuss practical approaches to cardiovascular health, metabolic wellness, and lifestyle medicine, while also addressing mental health as an integral component of overall well-being.
About Presenter:
Dr. Sharifeh Kamalimotlagh is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with additional training in integrative medicine from the Florida College of Integrative Medicine. She has worked extensively in both hospital and clinic settings, caring for diverse patient populations and managing a wide range of medical conditions. Dr. Kamalimotlagh combines evidence-based internal medicine with holistic, culturally sensitive approaches, helping patients optimize chronic disease management, preventive care, and overall wellness. She is particularly passionate about supporting the Iranian American community in achieving health that balances body, mind, and lifestyle.
Language: Farsi
