Distinguished alumni, Drs Fahim Rahim from MBBS '97 and Naeem Rahim from MBBS '98 visited their alma mater along with their families and donors, to share their professional journey and discuss opportunities for medical electives in the United States. These esteemed physicians and medical entrepreneurs, co-founders of the Idaho Kidney Institute in the United States, are also dedicated philanthropists.
During their visit, the Rahim brothers highlighted the scholarship program they created through the JRM Foundation for Humanity (Jamshaid, Rahim, and Mannan Foundation), which provides funding for 5 to 7 AKU MBBS students each year to undertake medical electives in the United States, with an annual budget of approximately $50000. These scholarships offer students critical hands-on experience in American healthcare settings, helping them to build essential skills and professional networks.
The JRM Foundation for Humanity, established in 2011, focuses on improving women's and children's health and education in Pakistan's northern regions and rural Idaho. The Foundation has also been active in disaster relief efforts in Idaho, Nepal, and Pakistan, underscoring its commitment to community service and global humanitarian efforts.
While addressing our young doctors, they said, "You have something that is missing from the rest of the crowd. You are exponentially better than anybody in the field of Medicine. The way AKU graduates are supposed to think is way outside the box, like the box doesn't exist."
The visit included interactive sessions with our students and medical staff, a detailed campus tour, and a heartfelt reunion with Professor H.R. Ahmed, a former mentor, which highlighted the enduring impact of AKU's faculty on its alumni. The Rahim brothers spoke about the challenges they faced, the exceptional education they received at AKU, and the values of family and community service that have guided their success. They concluded their visit with a significant announcement: a major donation to Falah, AKU's student run welfare society, matching its entire operational budget for the year.
