Anniversary Benefit Gala unites healthcare, art and policy leaders to kickstart transformative initiative
[Atlanta, GA] – May 5, 2025 – MedSmarter and The MedSmarter Foundation marked a decade of impact with a celebratory Anniversary Benefit Gala, officially launching The HEArtistic Project initiative. The sold-out event at The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett brought together the foundation’s leadership, including Chairman & CEO Don Mahmood and Board President Dr. Untara Shaikh, alongside distinguished artists, elected officials, and healthcare advocates.
A Decade of Transformation
The evening honoured MedSmarter’s 10-year journey from a medical education pioneer to establishing The MedSmarter Foundation in 2023. “What began as a mission to support aspiring physicians has grown into a movement redefining healthcare’s human dimension,” said Don Mahmood. Dr. Untara Shaikh added: “The HEArtistic Project embodies our next chapter – healing through creativity and community.”
Keynotes that Defined the Dialogue
Dr. Peter Glegg electrified the gala with a visionary keynote merging medicine, law, and art—revealing how nuclear law innovations and surgical precision can redefine equitable healthcare. His call to ‘dismantle barriers with creativity’ left attendees armed with bold strategies for systemic change.
Dr. Gulshan Harjee delivered a powerful keynote at the MedSmarter HEArtistic Project Gala, moving the audience with her journey from adversity to advocacy. Sharing deeply personal stories of resilience—from overcoming war and loss to founding Mosaic Health Center—she challenged the medical community to ‘heal the healers’ by prioritizing mental health and serving marginalized populations with courage. Her call to ‘turn pain into purpose’ left attendees inspired to reimagine healthcare with compassion at its core.
In his powerful keynote address, Fulton County Arts & Culture Director David Manuel moved attendees with his vision for art as ‘society’s emotional first aid.’ Sharing his personal journey as a transplant recipient and arts advocate, Manuel emphasized how creative expression ‘rewires pain into purpose,’ citing the HEArtistic Project as a national model for arts-based mental health interventions. His call to ‘prescribe art as vigorously as medication’ received a standing ovation from healthcare and arts leaders alike.
Veteran journalist and artist Portia Bruner delivered a stirring keynote on how art became her lifeline—transforming personal struggles into vibrant creativity. “Painting taught me that broken pieces can become masterpieces,” Bruner shared, reflecting on her journey from news anchor to abstract artist. With candor and wit, she recounted how blending acrylics, mixed media, and life’s “beautiful mess” helped her navigate anxiety, divorce, motherhood, and career transitions—proving that healing and purpose often bloom in unexpected places.
Featured artist Portia Bruner moved attendees with her keynote on art as therapy for mental wellness, while a curated exhibition showcased powerful works by:
- Farhan Ali (live painting performance)
- Afreen Khundmiri, Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan, Angela Raymond, Priti Patel, Saher Hammad & Greta Jambor
10% of all art sales from the gala will support The MedSmarter Foundation’s initiatives, with artists receiving 90% of proceeds.
A Night of Unexpected Honors
The evening held special surprises as we celebrated not only a decade of impact but also the visionary leadership behind MedSmarter. In a moving moment, Superior Court Judge Tracie Cason took the stage to present an official proclamation from the City of Atlanta, recognizing Don Mahmood’s exceptional contributions as a business and community leader. This heartfelt tribute underscored his unwavering dedication to innovation, education, and service.
Adding to the excitement, Georgia State House Representative Robert Dawson delivered a powerful acknowledgment of Don Mahmood and Dr. Untara Shaikh’s transformative work through MedSmarter and The MedSmarter Foundation. His words highlighted their tireless efforts in shaping the future of healthcare and empowering the next generation of medical professionals.
These unexpected honors elevated the evening, reminding us all of the profound ripple effect of leadership, compassion, and commitment to change.
Distinguished Officials in Attendance
The event drew notable policymakers, including:
- Senator Nikki Merritt
- State Representative Robert Dawson
- State Representative Arlene Beckles
- Gwinnett District Attorney Patsy Austin Gatson
- Gwinnett Tax Commissioner Denise Mitchell
- Chief Judge Cassandra Kirk (Fulton County)
- Judge Regina Matthews (DeKalb County)
- Judge Tracie Cason (Gwinnett County)
- Mayor Beverly Burks (City of Clarkston)
- Councilwoman Marlene Crawford (City of Lawrenceville)
- Councilwoman Helen Zenobia Willis (City of South Fulton)
- Assistant Chief Deputy Vincent Willis (South Fulton)
- Gwinnett County Board of Education Member Tarece Johnson-Morgan
The HEArtistic Project’s Next Chapter
The initiative will soon launch its 7-County Georgia Art Tour, bringing provocative exhibitions to:
- Clayton
- Cobb
- DeKalb
- Forsyth
- Fulton
- Gwinnett
- Newton
Tour dates and locations will be announced as they are scheduled.
Gratitude to Sponsors & Supporters
The foundation recognized its generous partners:
- Akhunkhail Family
- Elite Business Consulting
- DECISION 168
- American University School of Medicine – Aruba
- Islamic Relief USA
- Pastor Avery Headd (Poplar Hill Baptist Church)
- ICNA Relief USA – Shifa Clinic (Duluth)
- The Fulcrum Collective
- Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition
- Platinum Staffing Solutions
- Revneo
- Omni Beauty Luxury Spa
- Pardes Events (Liaquat & Shahneela Memon)
- Khalid & Sameena Teli (GIC)
- inMMGroup / inCity Magazine
- Mosaic Health
- Eklectik Ventures
- z2 Squared – MCD
Picture & Highlights Gallery Available:
About MedSmarter
MedSmarter is a leading medical education platform dedicated to empowering international medical graduates (IMGs) and medical students through comprehensive USMLE preparation and clinical training. Founded by Don Mahmood and Dr. Untara Shaikh, the organization has become a transformative force in medical education, offering personalized coaching with a proven 98% USMLE pass rate, hands-on clinical rotations at partner hospitals, and tailored residency match support. By bridging gaps in medical training, MedSmarter continues to shape the next generation of skilled, compassionate physicians. Learn more at MedSmarter.com.
About The MedSmarter Foundation
The MedSmarter Foundation, established in 2023 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, expands upon MedSmarter’s mission by addressing systemic challenges in medical education through scholarships for underrepresented students, mental health advocacy for healthcare trainees, and innovative community programs like the HEArtistic Project. As the philanthropic arm of MedSmarter, the Foundation works to remove financial and psychological barriers facing future physicians while fostering artistic expression as a tool for healing and connection in healthcare. Learn more at MedSmarterFoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Dr. Naheed Mann
Naheed@MedSmarterFoundation.org
(678) 944-7150
