"Beta, you should go into medicine."

As a child, I remember hearing that phrase more times than I care to remember. I suspect that many of our readers heard the same thing growing up—whether they wanted to or not.

I was one of those who didn't want to hear it. My passion was for words and books, not stethoscopes and hospitals. Still, my parents had a hard time realizing that, and well through high school, the pressure to be a doctor was on.

Eventually, I succeeded in having my way with my life, and my parents eventually got used to the fact that the only way I'd ever become a doctor is if I earned my PhD (and even that is a longshot).

Today, as many of my South Asian friends are finally entering the field of medicine, occasionally I feel a pang of regret. The prestige and status that comes with being a doctor—especially in our community—is still great. But I know that I made the right choice for me, and I'm glad my parents finally supported me in it.

In this issue, two stories particularly center on the doctor paradigm. In "Confessions of a Desi Doctor," Sarita Warrier talks about the pressure that many South Asians face to pursue medicine—and why she chose to go down that path herself. But even more fascinating is the story of Reef Karim ("The Doctor Is In"), a psychiatrist who has juggled a medical career with a Hollywood one. While both Warrier and Karim are doctors, it is obvious that they have followed their life's passions.

That's what the stories in this issue have in common: South Asian Americans from all walks of life who are driven to follow their passions, succeeding along the way. Whether they're law-students-turned-fashion-designers or magazine-writers-turned-entrepreneurs, the women (and men) in this issue have achieved great success, all by following their dreams. I hope this issue inspires you to do the same.

Ismat Sarah Mangla
Editor-in-Chief