Dreams, Dedication, Determination
The Ali Family On a Greater Perspective and the Beauty of Life’s Simple Moments
By Cary Schultz
Photograph by Michael Allen
Meet the Ali family: Ehsan, Saubia, and their three children, Iman (17), Aydin (11), and Noah (4), residing in the vibrant Beverly Hills community since 2011. This down-to-earth family, with big dreams and hearts full of love, balances life's adventures with the warmth of home. Dr. Ehsan Ali, a renowned figure in the medical field, and his wife Saubia embody commitment both to their family and to the broader community.
Dr. Ali, the founder and CEO of Beverly Hills Concierge Doctor, began his medical career inspired by a childhood dream born from a profound experience. His fascination with medicine sparked at the tender age of seven, in northern California. Recounting a pivotal moment, he shares, “I was there when my grandfather had a heart attack and we had to call 911. I remember visiting him in the hospital and being told, 'Everything is going to be OK, his doctors are going to help him get better soon'.” This moment was the genesis of his lifelong passion for medicine.
While pursuing his medical education, Ehsan attended NYU for his medical studies, completing his training in 2008. His unwavering dedication led him to become a board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine and a fellow in Geriatric Medicine. His remarkable journey didn't stop there; today, he is a respected member of the medical community, serving on the staff of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and as the Lead Physician at his practice, providing comprehensive care to concierge medicine members.
Parallel to Ehsan's journey, Saubia pursued her educational ambitions, earning a Bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems. Her career trajectory, though successful, saw a shift in her passions. She shares, “And while I have had the opportunity to work in my field with some degree of success, I will admit I am not intensely passionate about it anymore. I had dreams of becoming a social worker when I was a child. I am hoping once the kids are a little older, I can go back and find ways to help disabled children in any capacity I can.”
Saubia's career path has been as diverse as it has been enriching. Her most cherished memory links back to her first job at age 14 for an electronics company, where she worked alongside her mother making printed circuit boards manually and putting microchips on the boards by hand. “I saved every single paycheck that whole summer and I was able to buy our very first family computer with that money. So that was a pretty special job,” she reminisces.
The Ali family's life is rich in diverse personal interests and hobbies. Ehsan, a self-proclaimed health fanatic, loves running, swimming, hiking, and working out. He also places a strong emphasis on spending quality time with his children and exposing them to enriching experiences, whether through travel, beach walks, or outings to concerts and sports games. “I enjoy giving my children the opportunities and exposure I didn't have as a child. My children are my everything!” he expresses.
“You have one life; make the best of it and appreciate everything you have.”
Saubia's interests include reading, history, and staying up to-date with the latest news, alongside her love for spending time with her family and friends. “Our kids are at different ages and stages of life, and I love getting to peek into their wonderful personalities. And good girlfriends are what a mom will always need!” she adds.
Their commitment extends beyond their family to their community. Ehsan volunteers with Venice Clinic, serving the homeless and under-served populations. Saubia is driven by the desire to establish a foundation for disabled children in the future.
Their role models — Ehsan's parents for their business acumen and strength, and Saubia's parents for their resilience and dedication — have profoundly shaped their lives. “Whenever in a tough situation I ask myself, how would my mother handle this?” Ehsan shares, reflecting on his mother's influence. Saubia's admiration for her parents' struggles and sacrifices is evident. “They endured so much. They survived war. They immigrated to Montreal, Canada in 1979. It was a whole world away from what they knew. They didn’t speak the language (French) but they went to night school to learn it just so that they could help us with our homework. My mom went to school to get her GED equivalent with the support of my father and they both went on to work to help support the family while taking care of four children and multiple other family members in the home. My parents never complained about how little they had. They just focused on trying to give us the best life they could and I could never repay them for it. Every life lesson today came from their struggles and I am grateful for it,” she says.
Photo courtesy of Ali Family
Ehsan's philosophy of life celebrates its preciousness and unpredictability: "You have one life, and you never know what day is your last day here on earth. Make the best of it and appreciate everything you have." Saubia echoes this sentiment with her perspective on life, highlighting acceptance and growth.
The family's journey hasn't been without its challenges. Saubia recounts, “I am most proud of the life Ehsan and I have built for ourselves and our children. When we got married 19 years ago, we lived in a cramped, 600-square-foot, 1-bedroom apartment in New York City. We were on our own and those years were the hardest.” They also faced the emotional hardship of being away from family during her father's battle with cancer.
“The bad in life is here to teach us something, and it is our job to learn and grow from it.”
As a family with a zest for life, the Alis have explored a variety of travel destinations. Domestically, they find beauty and serenity in Aspen, especially during the summer months. “Internationally, we have seen so many exciting places but Paris never gets old,” Ehsan adds.
Living in Beverly Hills has been a dream realized, a connection rooted in their personal histories. Ehsan grew up in northern California and would visit southern California every year as a child. Those annual trips fueled his childhood dream of one day moving to Beverly Hills.
Saubia's connection to Beverly Hills is equally profound. “I came to visit on spring break in 1995. I was 15 and could not believe I was here. My sister and I walked all over town and took in every single sight and sound. I took pics all over town like a true tourist because I was convinced, I would never be able to come back,” Saubia says. Little did she know that years later, she would cross paths with the same Beverly Hills sign daily while taking their children to El Rodeo Elementary School — a full-circle moment.
Beverly Hills, for them, is a blend of urban sophistication and community warmth. “The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel is my all-time favorite spot. Il Pastaio is a Friday lunch favorite,” Ehsan shares. “The kids and I love eating at Guisado’s right by Neiman Marcus and getting delicious chocolate croissants from Pascal on Beverly,” Saubia says. “The community looks out for one another and we feel like we are a part of one big family.”
Looking to the future, Dr. Ali envisions expanding his business to new cities and locations. While no specific projects are lined up yet, this ambitious goal drives his passion for excellence and growth.
Their favorite quotes reflect their resilience and determination. Dr. Ali draws inspiration from Nelson Mandela, who once said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Saubia's choice is a quote by Maya Angelou: "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it."