Dr Harbinder 'Herb' Brar
Clinical Professor, Loma Linda University & UC Riverside School of Medicine & California University of Sciences and Medicine
Founding Program Director, OB/GYN Residency & Medical Director, Maternal–Foetal Medicine Program, Riverside Community Hospital | California, US
Janam Bhumi:
Jalandhar, Punjab, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Faridkot, Punjab, India
Kararm Bhumi:
Riverside, California, USA
Delivering Life, Hope, and Selfless Service
The ‘Harbinder’ Factor: “A man’s true wealth is in the good he does for others.”
THE MAN
Emotions aren’t uniquely human, but we do possess the capability to process them more deeply and thoughtfully. Consciously or not, we rely on our emotions to guide us in life. For Dr Harbinder ‘Herb’ Brar, it has been about channeling his emotions towards social good.
Dr Brar was born to Sikh parents, Major Bakhtawar Singh Brar, a decorated WWII veteran, and Sardarni Gurnam Kaur on 13 September, 1956, in Jalandhar, Punjab. The Army life took them across the nation before they settled in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. As the son of a decorated soldier, Dr Brar’s moral compass was shaped by the acts of courage, sacrifice, and public service. Perhaps, that is why even after having topped the prestigious IIT entrance examination, Dr Brar knew it was not where he was meant to be. So, he chose to become a healer. Reflecting on his choice he says, “My inner calling was to become a physician, so I decided to pass on the opportunity and began my medical journey.”
THE JOURNEY
Dr Brar earned his medical degree from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur and moved to the US in 1980 to begin an internship at Allegheny General Hospital under the University of Pittsburgh in 1981, followed by a residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN) at Loma Linda University in California in 1982. He also successfully pursued two fellowships: a postdoctoral research fellowship in Maternal-Foetal Medicine at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, LA County Medical Center, and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and a fellowship in Medical Genetics and Genomics at UCLA.
He is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics in Clinical Genetics and by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in both OB/GYN and Maternal–Foetal Medicine. A distinguished academic, he is a Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University, the University of California at Riverside School of Medicine and the California University of Sciences and Medicine. He is also Founding Program Director for the OB/GYN Residency and also the Medical Director of the Maternal-Foetal Medicine Program at Riverside Community Hospital, and Inland Empire Perinatal, Genetics and Genomics Center.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
The son of a soldier, a man of medicine, a dedicated teacher, Dr Brar is the very ideal of public service. He’s known as ‘the doctor who often treats patients for free when they can’t afford it.’ He supports local gurudwaras, and child abuse prevention programmes through his foundation. Through his Brar Group of Companies, he also funds agricultural and educational projects, believing that “success is about courage to keep moving forward” in serving society. His father’s legacy continues through the Major BS Brar Memorial Scholarship fund supporting education for disadvantaged children of farmworkers, reflecting his lifelong belief in the transformative power of education.
THE LEGACY
His work and vision have earned him recognition among Top Doctors in Los Angeles, San Diego (2013), and Southern California (2012). Yet, he measures success in “the good done for family and others”. Family is integral to his being. His wife, Parvinder ‘Barbara’ Brar, an anaesthesiologist, is his “reservoir of energy” balancing her job, family, and his endeavours. Their children—Sonia, Bobby, and Simran—are taking forward the legacy of medicine as a profession and Dr Brar does not hesitate to admit that it is the success of his children and grandchildren that keeps him running.
With more than a decade-long roster, it is safe to assume that Dr Brar is beyond passionate about his profession. In fact, to him it is first nature; something he was born to do. It is his learning ground where his patients are his teachers and where he balances “gut-wrenching days of delivering bad news” with the quiet joy of reassuring mothers about their babies’ health. He says, “The field inspires me because it brings happiness. What better than helping bring a healthy life into this world!” And thus Dr Brar continues to live his life, content in the fact that his reality is better than any dream.
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“Growing up and going to medical school in India, ‘Bharat’ meant something deep—family, discipline, and a sense of sacred duty. Today, Bharat is no longer just where I’m from; it’s who I am. My identity, my moral compass, my work ethic—they’re all rooted in India.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“Sikh values like seva (selfless service), humility, and respect for all faiths weren’t just taught, they were lived in my home. Resilience, hard work, family before self— I carried these values with me. I live with them here in America, every single day. And I see them taking root in my children and even my grandchildren.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“My children were born and raised here in the US, but they were nurtured with the same values that shaped me in India—discipline, compassion, and faith. I see Bharat in how they treat their patients, how they care for their families, and how they strive for excellence without arrogance.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
What brings me the most pride is not the degrees, not the titles, not even the business success. It’s that I’ve stayed true to the values I was raised with and passed them on. As an entrepreneur, I’ve built something lasting. But as a father and mentor, I’ve built something eternal.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“I dream of a Bharat that rises with not just technology and GDP, but with grace, compassion, and purpose. I hope to see an India where every child feels safe, where quality healthcare reaches every village, and where the old wisdom walks hand-in-hand with new innovation. To the youth, I say: dream big, but stay grounded. Carry your culture like a badge of honour, not a burden.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
I used to be a huge fan of golgappas, aloo tikki, and chole bhature.
NOW
I enjoy ‘lamb karahi’ and butter chicken. I enjoy having meals with my grandchildren.
Sport Spirit
THEN
I played gully cricket, snakes and ladders, and carrom with the whole neighbourhood.
NOW
I watch my grandchildren play on PS5 and virtual cricket leagues.
Music Tastes
THEN
I grew up with Lata Mangeshkar, Jagjit Singh, and Elvis Presley in the background.
NOW
I listen to Arijit Singh, A.R. Rahman, Diljit Dosanjh, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran with my family.
Holiday Life
THEN
Our vacations meant visiting extended family in India and reconnecting with traditions.
NOW
We take global trips that blend comfort with culture and celebrate Diwali wherever we are.
Leisure Habits
THEN
Sundays were filled with kirtan, temple visits, cooking marathons, and old Bollywood films.
NOW
We unwind with Netflix, cultural events, and devotional music on YouTube.
AKA
Founding Program Director OB/GYN Residency Riverside | Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University, UC Riverside School of Medicine
