Physician Spotlight: Abdul Mannan Khan, MD

It’s rare that a doctor can claim to have walked in your shoes, but some patients of Dr. Abdul Mannan Khan can be assured that he’s been down the same path.

Dr. Khan, who practices with Dr. Corey Majors at North Oaks Endocrinology Clinic, is a survivor of papillary thyroid cancer, the most common form of thyroid cancer.

As an endocrinologist, Dr. Khan treats those who suffer from hormonal imbalances, typically from glands in the endocrine system or certain types of cancer, such as thyroid cancer. Because he has a unique understanding of what thyroid cancer patients endure, he has developed a compassion for them that is inimitable. He was diagnosed with cancer while in his residency and underwent a total thyroidectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the thyroid gland and used to treat diseases like thyroid cancer.

Endocrinology is the study of medicine that relates to the endocrine system, which is the system that controls hormones. Endocrinologists are specially trained doctors who diagnose diseases like diabetes, hyperthyroidism or pituitary gland issues.

Because these doctors specialize in conditions which can be complex and have hard-to-spot symptoms, an endocrinologist is recommended for dealing with hormonal issues.

“I enjoy the challenges of treating complex medical conditions as an endocrinologist,” Dr. Khan explains.

Dr. Khan, who joined the North Oaks team in July 2017, is a graduate of the University of South Alabama in Mobile. He attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine and completed a residency and fellowship at Ochsner Medical Center, both in New Orleans.

A Kenner native, Dr. Khan attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, just as his mentor, Dr. Jeffrey LaCour of North Oaks ENT & Allergy Clinic did.

Dr. Khan points out that one aspect that he likes about North Oaks is the “opportunity of working with amazing and talented colleagues.”

He describes his role as “healer, educator, team player,” and would like to develop a research program at North Oaks within the next five years. But, when he’s not diagnosing disorders of the endocrine system, he loves spending time with his family and friends.

Dr. Khan considers marrying Aatiqah Kailid three years ago as his greatest achievement. In July, they welcomed their first child, Abdul Aleem Khan. Surely, he will enjoy attending Saints football and Pelicans basketball games – a favorite pastime -- with his son in the future.

He admits a guilty pleasure of watching “Chopped” on the Food Network when he has the time. And, given the chance Dr. Khan would like to be a police detective for a day because of his interest in criminal justice, his undergraduate major.