Apparently, this UCLA doctor is more than just a mental illness
specialist.
He’s also a heartthrob.
Dr. Arif “Reef” Karim, a psychiatrist at
UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute, was named “sexiest
shrink” this week by People magazine in the
publication’s annual “Sexiest Men Alive”
feature.
Better known as “Dr. Reef” to his patients, Karim
said he was flattered and surprised to be singled out for the
story.
“I think anyone would be flattered with that title. Being
a person like anyone else who hears that, it’s kind of
shocking,” Karim said.
“I think that they basically looked for people that strike
them as interesting. How they found me, I have no idea.”
A quick glance at the spread finds Karim alongside venerable
Hollywood personas, including Orlando Bloom, Usher, Brad Pitt,
Colin Farrell and Jude Law, who was awarded the top honor of
“sexiest man alive” for 2004. Law de-throned Johnny
Depp, last year’s winner and a selection this year.
The story is in the magazine’s Nov. 19 issue, which hits
newsstands today.
Karim said his main focus is on championing mental health, which
influences his life outside UCLA, including his numerous television
and film appearances.
He sees his selection as an acknowledgement from People that
both intellect and advocacy efforts like his are attractive.
“I like the fact that they may consider a doctor ““
someone in a healing profession ““ sexy. I think it’s
cool,” he said.
Being based in Los Angeles just a few miles from Hollywood also
allows him to be involved with his other chief endeavor: the
entertainment industry.
A number of films and TV shows have featured Karim, including
NBC’s “Today Show” and VH1’s “The
Love Lounge.” He currently hosts “House of Clues”
on CourtTV, in which he tours people’s houses and explores
how different attributes of the homes ““ from art work to
coloring ““ reflect aspects of the owner’s psyche.
Karim specializes in addiction and relationship therapy at the
institute, and is currently involved with research concerning the
effects of the media’s anti-drug messages on college-aged
young adults. He says his research and interests are reflected in
his media appearances.
“I think essentially I’m combining the media aspects
of pop culture with academic-based medicine,” Karim said.
The psychiatrist also reveals another favorite after-work
activity in the article: salsa dancing.
“When I’m a doctor, I have to impart knowledge, but
when I’m dancing, it’s about the sultry music and the
sensuality of the moment and sharing that experience with another
person,” Karim told People.
Asked if he had any messages for all the single UCLA women out
there, Karim said, “There’s a lot of great guys out
there in the world, that’s the message.”
The university declined to comment on Karim’s
selection.