The Khokhar family, who relocated to Ona in September, have quickly found a place to call home in their close-knit community. Dr. Suhirad Khokhar, his wife Shivleen, and their two children, Sehbaaz (3) and newborn Shivtegh, relocated to the area, drawn by the opportunity for Dr. Khokhar to join Cabell Huntington Hospital as an orthopedic surgeon and the appeal of raising their family in a peaceful environment.

Shivleen, originally from Long Island, New York, met Dr. Khokhar across the globe during medical school in India. "Fate brought us together in the heart of our medical training. I traveled to India to study medicine, never expecting to meet someone who would change my life. While I was completing my studies, Dr. Khokhar had just begun his residency in the orthopedic department of my college hospital," she shared.

Shivleen stated, “Our permanent address was in Long Island, New York, but we have relocated multiple times due to Dr. Khokhar’s medical training. Initially, we moved to Miami, where he pursued a hand surgery fellowship. From there, we relocated to Ohio for his trauma fellowship before returning to New York, where he specialized in elbow and shoulder surgery at Montefiore Hospital. When the time came to secure a permanent position, an opportunity arose for a hand surgeon at Marshall University, and we moved to West Virginia.”

The family has embraced their new community, appreciating the change of pace from the hustle of New York. "One of our favorite aspects of living here is the peaceful and close-knit atmosphere. Unlike the fast-paced lifestyle of New York, life here moves at a more relaxed pace, allowing us to truly enjoy our surroundings," Shivleen expressed to Stroll Barboursville.

While Dr. Khokhar is dedicated to his work in orthopedic surgery, Shivleen has pursued her passion for medical administration, recently earning a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Scranton.

Outside of their professional lives, they enjoy traveling, with Maldives holding a special place in their hearts as their honeymoon destination. Shivleen has also developed a passion for writing children's books, blending her love for storytelling with meaningful life lessons for young minds. “Writing has always been a part of my life, primarily through poetry, but after becoming a parent, I realized the need for everyday stories that help children understand meaningful life lessons.”

Eager to become more involved in the community, Shivleen stays active in their son’s school, where Sehbaaz has started Pre-K2 at St. Joseph. The family has also begun exploring local favorites, enjoying meals at Christopher’s Eats, La Banca, and Rocco’s Ristorante.

To new neighbors moving into the area, Shivleen offers words of encouragement: "It’s such a wonderful, peaceful place to live. The community is very close-knit, and everyone is friendly and welcoming. If you have kids, you’ll love how family-oriented it is. It’s a slower pace compared to big cities, which makes it perfect for settling in and enjoying a relaxed lifestyle."

The Khokhars look forward to deepening their roots in the community, not just through their professional contributions but also by forming meaningful connections with those around them. "We moved here intending to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need Dr. Khokhar’s expertise in orthopedic care. Our mission is to serve, support, and make a positive impact—whether through his role as a physician or simply as a friend."

We are blessed to have the Khokhar Family as part of our community.