HER Founders
Welcome to SOUTH ASIAN HER
Your Trusted Source for South Asian Women’s Health & Wellness.
Together, we bring a combined 45+ years of experience
Aruna Nathan, MD
Dr. Aruna Nathan is a board-certified physician in both Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, with over 25 years of clinical expertise. Driven by a deep understanding of the profound impact lifestyle choices have on chronic diseases, Dr. Nathan pursued advanced training in Lifestyle Medicine, a specialty grounded in evidence-based therapies to prevent, treat, and often reverse chronic conditions. Her approach emphasizes optimal nutrition, regular physical activity, practical exercise routines, restorative sleep, and the management of stress and unhealthy habits.
As one of the nation’s first board-certified Lifestyle Medicine physicians, Dr. Nathan skillfully integrates these principles within her Internal Medicine practice. She has developed a comprehensive 14-week program that incorporates motivational interviewing, goal setting, health literacy, nutrition counseling, social connection, and the concept of “food as medicine.”
Dedicated to addressing the root causes of illness rather than simply managing symptoms, Dr. Nathan focuses on empowering her patients through nutrition education, movement, and mindfulness practices, with an emphasis on minimizing unnecessary medication use whenever possible.
Currently, Dr. Nathan serves as the Lead Physician for Lifestyle Medicine at Absolute Care, an organization committed to supporting some of the most vulnerable and chronically ill populations. Beyond her clinical leadership, she has chaired the Fitness Committee of the Maryland Wellness Council and serves on the Board of Directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Nathan is also the current President of the Montgomery County Medical Society and an appointed member of the Montgomery County Commission on Health in Maryland.
Harita Raja, MD
Dr. Harita Raja is a board-certified psychiatrist and a nationally recognized voice in women’s mental health and wellness. Her work centers on supporting women across the full lifespan, from menses through menopause, by blending evidence-based medicine with compassion,
cultural understanding, and connection. She is the founder of Bethesda Women’s Mental Health, where she provides thoughtful, individualized care that honors the complexity of women’s emotional and physical health. A graduate of Albany Medical College, Dr. Raja completed her psychiatry residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Raja is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, speaker, and published author, and she actively contributes to advancing women’s health through leadership, education, and collaboration. She is the founder of the DMV Menopause Providers Group and a member of the D.C. Women’s Mental Health Consortium, working to improve care through education and interdisciplinary connection.
Driven by a deep commitment to community and cultural healing, Dr. Raja founded the Raat Rani Collective, a local initiative dedicated to empowering South Asian women and breaking mental health stigma through movement, education, and shared experience. She is also a co-founder of South Asian HER, where she helps reimagine women’s health by centering science, lived experience, and the unique realities of South Asian women. At the heart of Dr. Raja’s work is a belief that women deserve care that sees them fully and communities that support them boldly.
To advance whole person health for South Asian women through awareness, educations and prevention.
To make care and information accessible, culturally relevant and rooting in the understanding that South Asian women carry unique risks, stressors and strengths.
Her Science, HER Story
Our value
What We Stand For
At the heart of our mission lies a set of core values that reflect our dedication to health, dignity, and community for every South‑Asian woman.
- Compassionate Care — We provide support with warmth, understanding, and respect for every woman's journey.
- Cultural Sensitivity — We honour traditions and beliefs while offering modern health guidance
- Integrity & Transparency — We share honest, evidence‑based information you can trust.
- Awareness & Empowerment — We encourage informed decisions and self‑confidence through education.
