Every morning, I unlock the doors of my health center at 21st and Lehigh knowing that people walk in because they need care — often urgently. Some have been turned away elsewhere. Some are navigating a system that is too expensive, too complex, or too disconnected from real life. We don’t turn anyone away.

Over the years, I’ve treated seniors managing chronic illness, parents struggling to afford medications for their children, workers who delayed care because of transportation or time off, and victims of gun violence dealing with both physical wounds and lasting trauma. I’ve also cared for people whose lives look very different on paper but whose needs are just as real.

What I’ve learned as a physician is that health is shaped far beyond the exam room. Transportation, housing, food access, utilities, childcare, neighborhood safety — these are not abstractions. They determine whether people get better. And when systems fail the most vulnerable, the consequences ripple outward to every neighborhood.

That’s true whether you live in North Philadelphia or Chestnut Hill, Center City or University City, West Philly, Cobbs Creek, South or Southwest Philadelphia — and everywhere in between. Nearly two-thirds of our city lives in PA-03. We are one of the most diverse districts in the country, a city of immigrants and long-time residents alike. We succeed only when people are treated with dignity and respect, and when government works for everyone.

When COVID hit and government failed to meet the moment, ideology didn’t matter. Party didn’t matter. What mattered was whether someone would step up. As a private citizen, I founded the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium and delivered care directly into communities across Philadelphia. What began by serving those most under-resourced quickly became something broader. We cared for everyone — regardless of zip code, income, race, or background. That included residents from Chestnut Hill and beyond. Need did not discriminate, and neither did we.

That experience continued to shape my approach to leadership. It’s not about talking points — it’s about action.

I was born at Broad and Olney and raised near 18th and Erie. I grew up on SNAP, in Section 8 housing, riding SEPTA and attending public schools. My faith taught me that service is not optional. When you are given the ability to help, you are expected to use it.

As a surgeon, I came home to serve Philadelphia. As a civic leader, I’ve built institutions, created jobs, partnered with hospitals, universities, and communities, and proven that when public and private sectors work together with purpose, lives improve.

Affordability isn’t a buzzword. It’s whether families can plan, save, stay healthy, and live with dignity. That matters to working families struggling to get by — and it matters to homeowners, seniors, and business owners who want stability, safety, and a city that functions.

America also succeeds when we live up to our values beyond our borders. I believe Israel has a right to security, Palestinians deserve dignity and safety, and protecting children and civilians must always be paramount. Complex conflicts require principled leadership focused on humanity, accountability, and peace.

This may be the most Democratic seat in the nation — but that makes it even more important to choose the best person for the job. Representation should be earned, not assumed.

My job has never been to tell people what isn’t my responsibility. It’s been to show up, do the work, and improve lives.

I’ve spent my life serving this city, and I’m committed to continuing that work for every Philadelphian.