Interviewee: Associate Prof Dawar Khan
1. Considering your entire time as Consultant Radiologist in Body Imaging at your organization, can you recall a time (any AHAA moment) when you felt most alive or most excited about your involvement in the organization?
On the clinical front, I was really thrilled and excited to initiate the body imaging fellowship program at Aga Khan University. Finally, the first batch was enrolled in January 2023. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first formal body imaging 2-y
ear fellowship in a large tertiary care center in Pakistan.
2. Please briefly share your initial phase of journey i.e., from medical graduate to consultant.
My basic schooling was at a simple Urdu medium government school. It lacked basic facilities such as tables, chairs, or even electricity. Still, I never wavered in my pursuit to gain more knowledge. I was fortunate enough to get admitted to Sindh Medical College and after 5 years of sweat, blood and tears, I was awarded the MBBS degree.
I was trained at Karachi X-ray and Ultrasound Centre for 2 years and then at Aga Khan University Diagnostic Radiology for four years respectively to attain MCPS and FCPS degrees.
My vision has always been about equipping myself with the skills necessary to make myself the best at my craft. To this end, I decided to opt for giving FRCR in clinical radiology. I was elated to learn that I had finally passed the FRCR exam. One may ask why I went the extra mile to take this foreign exam when I could have stayed content with what I already had? The answer to this is ingrained in my perfectionistic personality. My aim is to become a respectable and professional doctor who can help any individual in need of assistance.
3. Let's consider for a moment the things you value deeply. Specifically, the things you value about yourself and the nature of your work, what is the single most important thing your work has contributed to your life?
Perseverance is the key to success. My work has always taught me to never give up, no matter how difficult the odds are or however insurmountable the task at hand seems. Whatever goals you want to achieve in life, keep trying repeatedly and your efforts will eventually bear fruit.
4. As a senior Body Imaging Radiologist of the country, please share your experience of development of body imaging practices in Pakistan and its future in next 10 years.
One of my future career goals includes training the next generation of radiologists so that they are specialized in body imaging. This will enable them to serve patients all over Pakistan, both in urban and rural areas which traditionally have poor health care resources. I strive to continue implementing the latest evidence-based techniques in the CT section for the betterment of patients.
5. Any advice for Junior Radiologist?
Firstly, my advice for junior radiologists is to work hard, don't lose hope. Always prioritize your vision and goals and keep trying to the best of your ability to achieve them. Secondly, be honest with your work but most importantly, with yourself. When you are honest with yourself, you will have a sense of fulfilment that cannot be replaced and others will appreciate it, inevitably leading to your growth and those around you.
