Dr. Saima Zafar was born in Lahore, Pakistan. She grew up in several countries including Iraq, Liberia and Saudi Arabia where her mother was a Professor of Pharmacology. She has acquired sensitivity for diverse cultures. She graduated in 1987 with a medical degree from King Edward Medical College in Pakistan and was the best graduate of the year. She was awarded 15 medals for excellence in a variety of subjects. Dr. Zafar moved to the USA in 1989 and received post graduate training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology at The Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1997. She has practiced Cardiology in the cities of Des Moines, Newton, Grinnell and Ottumwa. Dr. Zafar lives in West Des Moines with her husband, Abid and three sons, Maeshal, Roshan and Kaamil.