Professor Riaz Qureshi, our founding Chair of Family Medicine, passed away on December 1.
Dr Riaz Qureshi is widely acknowledged as the “Father of Family Medicine” in Pakistan, and our surrounding region. He graduated from Dow Medical College in 1966 after which he spent nearly two decades in the UK and then the Middle East. He returned to Pakistan hoping to introduce the specialty of Family Medicine (FM) and founded the first section of FM in Pakistan at AKU within the Department of Community Health Sciences. Over the next 10 years he demonstrated the impact of superb clinical training in primary care for the country’s health system. These efforts culminated in the creation of the Department of Family Medicine in 2003 at AKU where he was honored to serve as its founding Chair. The establishment of the first Dept of FM represented yet another milestone for both Pakistan and AKU.
Dr Riaz was a visionary whose enthusiasm for FM was infectious. In his gentle, collaborative and inclusive manner, he helped in creating an excitement for FM and its potential. He spearheaded the development of the Royal College of General Practitioners-International (MRCGP-INT) program and was instrumental in introducing it to Pakistan and South Asia. For this work, he was awarded the Royal College of General Practitioner’s President’s Medal, and he remains the only South Asian who has received this honour. To date, MRCGP (Int.) has helped in the professional development of thousands of general practitioners in South Asia. He was a sought-out advisor internationally and helped with the creation of FM training programs in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. He was awarded Fellowship of the RCGP for exceptional contributions to teaching and training of FM in Saudi Arabia and UK.
As a mentor and teacher, Dr Riaz's influence spanned nearly three decades, touching the lives of every resident and faculty member who joined the FM department at AKU. Beloved by students at all levels, he earned multiple Outstanding Teacher awards, not just at AKU but also at various institutions across Pakistan and the region. Today, many of his residents and trainees lead FM departments and programs throughout Pakistan.
Dr Riaz’s clinical and communication skills are legendary. He truly enjoyed seeing patients and his sessions on hypnosis for treatment of addictions and stress-management were highly acclaimed. His holistic approach made him a loved and respected physician for three generations of loyal patients. He also believed in family physicians leading care in various settings. Under his leadership, AKUH initiated the medical centers in Malir and Rashid Minhas, that continue to provide accessible and quality care. He also initiated the department’s occupational health program, through which family physicians and nurses provide care across Pakistan including far flung areas and even petroleum rigs.
Beyond his academic achievements, Dr Riaz was a compassionate individual who was loved dearly by all who knew him. He was always available to advise, mentor, and teach, enriching the lives of faculty, residents, medical staff, nurses, and administrators with his humor, positive outlook, and spontaneous verses of Urdu poetry.
Professor Riaz Qureshi is survived by his wife, Dr Zubaida Qureshi, and their three daughters. We extend our deepest condolences to his family. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched as a physician, teacher, and mentor, as well as through the work of his students and trainees. He will be profoundly missed.
