Dr. Ban's Journey
A Mission Rooted in Experience, Driven by Passion
I am Dr. Ban Al-Karaghouli , an Iraqi-American, board-certified OB/GYN, and my journey to becoming the woman I am today has been anything but ordinary. Born in the U.S., yet deeply connected to my Middle Eastern heritage, my path has taken me across continents, through cultures, and into the very heart of women’s struggles, resilience, and strength.
As a gifted child in Iraq, I excelled in my early education, dreaming of making a difference in people’s lives. I began medical school in Iraq, eager to learn and serve. But life, much like a river, sometimes takes unexpected turns. The shifting political landscape forced me to leave the only home I had known, and I found myself in Egypt which I considered to be my second home—where I continued my studies and earned my medical degree.
From there, I migrated again, this time to Bahrain, where I worked as an OB/GYN intern, witnessing the suffering of countless women who struggled in many ways, to say the least. Not because they lacked strength, but because they lacked the knowledge, guidance, and care they so deeply deserved. It became my mission to change that.
Determined to deepen my expertise and make an even greater impact, I returned to the U.S. and completed my OB/GYN residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University. However, as I continued my work, I realized that traditional medical training often fell short when it came to addressing the deeply personal struggles women face with sexuality, intimacy, and menopause. I knew I needed to do more.
Fueled by my passion to bridge the gap between medicine and holistic sexual wellness, I embarked on an 18-month intensive training program in sex coaching, equipping myself with the tools to help women navigate sexual concerns, rekindle intimacy, and reclaim their pleasure. At the same time, I committed myself to advanced studies in menopause care, culminating in successfully passing a certification exam to become a Licensed Menopause Provider—because every woman deserves expert, evidence-based guidance through this transformative stage of life. But I didn’t stop there.
As I worked with menopausal women, I discovered a recurring challenge—weight gain. So many women in menopause struggle with metabolism shifts, hormonal changes, and body image concerns that profoundly impact their confidence and well-being. I knew this couldn’t be ignored. Determined to offer comprehensive, science-backed solutions, I pursued specialized training in menopause weight loss coaching, learning how to help women shed the weight, regain their energy, and feel empowered in their bodies again.
Through this journey of continuous learning, I have woven together Western medicine, holistic coaching, and a deep understanding of women’s unique health challenges—creating a comprehensive, compassionate approach that goes beyond traditional healthcare. My mission is to help women not just survive these changes, but thrive through them. You deserve to feel strong, sensual, and fully alive—at every stage of life.
And I am here to help you flourish.
14+ Years
in practice as an OB-GYN
-
Graduated from October 6 University in Egypt
-
Residency SUNY in Upstate NY - graduated 2012
-
Became Board certified 2015
-
Worked as a telemedicine doctor since 2017
-
Laborist on Labour and delivery from 2012 to present time.
-
Equipping the Next Generation of OB-GYNs for Oral Board Success Through Expert Coaching to pass their Oral Board Exams
Certified
Board Certified OB-GYN
Certified Menopause Practitioner
Certified Menopause Weight Loss Coach
Certified Clinical Sexologist
Certified Intimacy and Sexual Wellness Coach
Professional Affiliations
When I am not working, you can find me:
Spending quality time with my kids (Family time is paramount). Gardening, reading a good book, swimming, travelling . I have a deep affection for animals, especially cats, dogs, and horses. At home, we're avid fans of the Harry Potter series. I also enjoy listening to audiobooks, engaging in crafts, and solving puzzles.
A fun fact about me that not everyone knows:
My go to daily rituals always include:
I meticulously plan and create store-quality birthday cakes for my children, dedicating two weeks to perfect each one. I love whimsical designs & they've become the beautiful (and tasty) centerpieces for all our family's celebrations over the years.
Beginning each day with a smile and gratitude for my blessings is my wellness ritual. I dedicate at least one day a month to self-care and enjoy watching something humorous at the day's end to unwind. Flowers always remind me of how precious life truly is.
Dr. Ban's Hobbies & Interest
"Shoot for the moon.
Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."
– Les Brown
This quote encapsulates my belief in setting ambitious goals and embracing the journey toward them, knowing that every effort brings growth and new opportunities. In our work together, I aim to empower you to reach for your highest potential, supporting you through each phase of your health and wellness journey.
.png)
My Promise to You
Embarking on a health journey with me means entering a partnership rooted in empathy, respect, and personalized care. I am committed to understanding your unique needs and aspirations, ensuring that you feel heard and valued at every step.
Together, we will navigate your health challenges, celebrate your progress, and cultivate resilience, much like nurturing a garden to full bloom.
Client Testimonial
"When I first began working with Dr. A-Karaghouli, I felt overwhelmed and discouraged. I was struggling with vaginismus while also trying to conceive, and it felt like no one truly understood how emotional and isolating that journey was. Dr. A-Karaghouli created a space where I felt seen, heard, and never judged.”
Ariel S., age 25
"I came to Dr. Ban feeling overwhelmed and dismissed by other providers. She listened, truly listened, and helped me feel seen for the first time. She helped me understand my body in ways no one ever had. Her approach is both scientific and so deeply human—it’s rare and so needed."
Danielle L, age 34
"You can feel Dr. Ban’s compassion from the first moment you speak with her. She makes you feel like you're not alone, like someone finally understands you without judgment. I cried after our first session—not out of sadness, but because I felt so relieved to be heard. She has a gift."
Jasmine P., age 38
"You can feel Dr. Ban’s compassion from the first moment you speak with her. She makes you feel like you're not alone, like someone finally understands you without judgment. I cried after our first session—not out of sadness, but because I felt so relieved to be heard. She has a gift."
Jasmine P., age 38
"I felt lost in my own body—night sweats, mood swings, anxiety—and no one was taking me seriously. Dr. Ban changed that. Her knowledge of perimenopause is incredible, but it’s her warmth and emotional support that stuck with me most. She doesn’t just treat symptoms, she treats the whole woman."
Elena S., age 47
“Her blend of medical expertise and compassionate coaching gave me both practical tools and emotional healing. For the first time, I felt hopeful—like my body wasn’t broken and I didn’t have to walk this path alone. I’m so grateful for her guidance and the confidence she helped me rebuild.”
Sara G, age 50
"Dr. Ban is the reason I felt calm throughout my pregnancy. Every time I had a question—big or small—she responded with such kindness and clarity. She never made me feel silly or rushed. She genuinely cared about my baby and me, and her empathy made all the difference. I wish every woman had a doctor like her during this journey."
Maria G., Fist-time mom
"Struggling with vaginismus while trying to conceive felt so isolating—until I met Dr. A-Karaghouli. Her compassion and expertise gave me hope, healing, and the tools I needed to move forward with confidence. I finally felt like my body wasn’t broken.”
GiGi T, age 31
Helping Women Unfold Into
Their Fullest Bloom
As a board-certified OB-GYN, I bring years of clinical experience into a more personal, empowering space—offering women’s health coaching with a focus on menopause, sexual wellness, and intimate connection.
This is a season for renewal. For reclaiming joy. For healing, growing, and becoming.
Let’s Flourish and Bloom—starting today.