Arif Ahmad

AUTHOR PROFILE

CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR AT THE HEART OF IT

“A forthright book about identity, culture, and politics.”

“Ahmad shares his unfiltered thoughts in this collection of concise, plainspoken poems.”

“‘Beware the Bucks Out There’ effectively uses the story of a pair of deer who died after locking antlers and being unable to free themselves as a metaphor for the consequences of human conflict.”

“‘3 Perspectives’ is an insightful trio of vignettes about couples, exploring such things as the despair of an injured partner and the secret to over six decades of marriage (two TVs).”

“‘The House With the Lamps’ is a simple yet touching poem about how a neighbor’s action symbolizes optimism.”

“Reverence for nature is palpable in descriptions of the ‘dancing colors and flashing lights painting the landscape’ during firefly and butterfly breeding seasons.”

— KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Following up the inspiring A Peace of Me, Ahmad…offers in poems and essays intimate, honest testimony about the experience of being Muslim in America. At the Heart of It lays bare the country’s shortcomings while emphatically praising its excellence and promise.”

“Yet Ahmad does not shy away from the rampant racism and Islamophobia that are part and parcel of the American Muslim experience; instead, he describes the United States as it is, with rousing hope for what it could be.”

“On the whole, his collection is a celebration of and demand for life and an actualization of the American dream.”

“Essays and poetry of Muslim life in America calling for peace and spiritual connectedness.”

— BOOKLIFE

“Embodying an international and interfaith outlook while emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation, At the Heart of It is a thoughtful and musing collection of essays and poems.”

“Arif Ahmad’s emotive literary collection At the Heart of It advocates for a new commitment to tolerance in personal and public affairs.”

“The poems are imaginative and agile. Though free verse in style, they include instances of musicality and keen observations of the natural world…”

“Anti-Muslim bias and racism in general are addressed with compassion, detail, and wisdom throughout the collection.”

“Such concise, sophisticated analyses of racist hierarchies pair well with the book’s memorable images representing human frailty…”

“An empathetic but personal prose and poetry collection, At the Heart of It applies moral principles to subjects including human frailty, racist systems, and international conflicts.”

—FOREWORD CLARION REVIEWS

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Arif Ahmad, MD, is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and a Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society.

BOOKS & LITERARY WORK

A Piece of Me: An Arrangement of Words to Inspire Reflection, was published in 2021. Through poetry, prose, and personal reflection, the collection explores identity, belonging, faith, prejudice, humanity, and the immigrant experience. It received editorial recognition from Kirkus Reviews, BookLife, and Foreword Clarion Reviews, as well as recognition from the BookLife Prize. Kirkus Reviews, under Awards & Accolades, gave it a “GET IT” verdict. The book also received the 2022 Bronze Medal in Poetry/Verse at the Global Book Awards, and Ahmad’s literary work has been featured by Quintessential Poetry.

His second book, At the Heart of It: The Rhythm of Reflection and Activism, continues that journey through poetry, essays, and reflections on identity, tolerance, conflict, compassion, health, hope, and our shared responsibility toward one another. It has received critical acclaim from Kirkus Reviews, BookLife, and Foreword Clarion Reviews.

Drawing upon his experiences as a physician, immigrant, Muslim American, writer, and observer of contemporary life, Ahmad approaches subjects both intimate and universal. His medical career and literary work share a common concern: the value of human life and the importance of understanding the experiences of others.

RECOGNITION, MEDIA & LITERARY ENGAGEMENT

Dr. Ahmad is a contributor to Wisconsin Life, with segments featured on NPR and Wisconsin Public Radio programs, including Morning Edition, The Morning Show, and The Ideas Network.

His writings have also appeared in The Associated Press and CNN.

He has been an invited speaker and panelist at professional and public events, including the Wisconsin Medical Society’s annual event in 2025.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR A PIECE OF ME

“A physician offers a cultural critique in free verse.”

“His work resonates the most when it is focused on his specific experiences as a Muslim and a Pakistani immigrant in an often antagonistic country.”

“A novice poet delivers intriguing meditations on culture, politics, and humanity.”

Awards & Accolades, Our Verdict, GET IT

—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Ahmad, a Pakistani American cardiologist, debuts with a memorable blend of poetry and prose describing life as a Muslim immigrant in the United States.”

“Undercurrents of outrage and fear lurk throughout, and humanity’s tendency toward self-inflicted suffering is nimbly examined– ‘If killing would make the world safer somehow/ Wouldn’t this be a very safe planet by now?’ Passionate feeling powers these incisive pieces.”

“His focus is on illuminating the lasting effects of prejudice, but he also heralds empowerment and hope amid the heavy-heartedness, imploring readers “For at the end of the day, what really matters is not what comes your way but how you respond to it.’’’

“This is a contemplative offering on the juxtaposition of intolerance and peace.”

“A powerful collection of poetry and prose that reflects on religious and racial discrimination.”

—BOOKLIFE

“The varied essays and poems of the autobiographical collection A Piece of Me are shared to inspire the community involvement that they model.”

“Such contributions seek the news behind the news, using their central events to encourage being a proactive citizen of the world.”

“At their best, the entries move between despair and hope with balance and lyricism.”

—FOREWORD CLARION REVIEWS

“His honest, free verse entries are each introduced by a time period giving the reader a reference point. Writing on a variety of topics, Ahmad has a powerful message about acceptance, isolation, and belonging.”

“With a poetic sensibility, Ahmad offers an honest portrayal of what it is like to be a Muslim in America during times of political uncertainty and turmoil.”

“This work is unique in its approach to storytelling. Anchored in contemporary times and circumstances, it offers lyricism and thoughtful exploration of culture, xenophobia, and identity.”

“Ahmad’s writing and ideas are rich and alluring. He makes a strong statement for equality for all people.”

—BOOKLIFE PRIZE, 2022

SELECTED LIBRARY HOLDINGS

Dr. Ahmad’s work is held by libraries and institutions including:

Library of Congress

Yale University Library

University of Wisconsin–Madison / Wisconsin Historical Society Library

University of Michigan Library, Ann Arbor

South Central Library System, Wisconsin

Minuteman Library Network, Massachusetts