We are excited to welcome Engy Habashy, MD, a urologist and U.S. Navy veteran, as a new member of the Columbus Medical Association! Learn more about Dr. Habashy, including why the wise words of a senior physician in an elevator during medical school turned out to be some of the best advice she's ever received.

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
My military background instilled a profound sense of service and duty that naturally guided me toward medicine. I wanted to be in a position where I could directly impact health and advocate for better healthcare policies. Ultimately, the desire to profoundly impact lives with meaningful, long-term patient relationships and advocacy drew me to the field.
 
What do you enjoy most about practicing in Columbus?
Practicing in Columbus allows me to truly integrate with and serve my local community on my own terms. I greatly appreciate the vibrant medical network that supports both independent practice and active physician advocacy. It is incredibly rewarding to work in a city that values healthcare innovation while still feeling like a close-knit home.
 
What are your areas of clinical interest?
As a urologist, my primary focus is on advancing surgical techniques and staying engaged with the latest clinical literature. I am also deeply interested in the intersection of medicine with healthcare law and artificial intelligence, which I am actively studying. Furthermore, drawing from my own background, I conduct research on health outcomes specifically within military populations.
 
What’s your favorite restaurant in Columbus?
I love Vietnamese cuisine and have been to Buckeye Pho many times. Vietnamese will always be at the top of my list.
 
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
I cherish spending time with my husband, and keeping up with our three-year-old son, especially as we get him started in new activities like toddler swim lessons. Beyond family time, I am very hands-on with interior design, regularly taking on home improvement and smart-home projects. I also prioritize my personal well-being and try to maintain an active lifestyle. I recently signed up to lead a Walk with a Doc session, a volunteer program I learned about through the Columbus Medical Association. Thank you for that tip!
 
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
In addition to being fluent in a second language, I am an avid international traveler and have loved exploring countries like Armenia, Ecuador, Egypt, and New Zealand. Another defining aspect of my life is my own journey with significant health challenges, including overcoming heart and brain surgeries. Navigating the healthcare system from the other side of the stethoscope has profoundly shaped my perspective and deepened my empathy as a physician.
 
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received came from a brief but profound encounter with a senior physician in an elevator during medical school. He advised me not to let medicine become just a source of livelihood, but to strive for a position where I could practice purely for the joy of it. He believed that finding financial independence outside of the clinic allows you to see patients out of true passion rather than necessity. That wisdom shifted my perspective entirely and continues to guide how I structure my career and life today.