July 10, 2019
Dr. Asif Rehman Receives Sitara-e-Imtiaz Award
Dr. Asif Rehman received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence), the third-highest civilian honor in Pakistan, from President Arif Alvi. Dr. Rehman accepted the award at the Pakistan Day celebration held in Islamabad on March 23, 2019. President Alvi recognized Dr. Rehman’s service in the field of cardiology, physician advocacy, activism, and philanthropic work.
Dr. Rehman contributed immensely to the rehabilitation efforts for the victims of the devasting 2005 earthquake in Kashmir. He works as the Associate Director of Interventional Cardiology at South Nassau Communities Hospital, a Mount Sinai system hospital in Long Island, New York. View the award ceremony here.
Interview with Dr. Asif Rehman
ECFMG had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Rehman so he could share some of his thoughts and insights with ECHO News readers.
› What drew you to medicine?
I grew up in Northern Pakistan in Mirpur Azad Kashmir. It was not a large metropolitan area, but rather a small town. I had some exposure to medicine growing up, as a few of my family members were physicians. From early on, I was interested in science and medicine. In junior high and high school, under the guidance of my science teachers, it became clear that medicine would be my chosen profession. I credit my science teachers and parents with helping me to identify my strengths and inspiring me to achieve. They pushed me to work hard and I graduated third position in the entire Azad Kashmir state in my pre-med examination (F.Sc.). As a result I was accepted to a renowned medical school in Pakistan.
› Tell us about your career background.
I graduated with my MBBS from Nishtar Medical School and Hospital in Multan. After an internal medicine residency in New York, I spent time as a clinical staff fellow doing research at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. That helped me get into a cardiology fellowship and subsequently, the reputable Tufts University in Boston where I trained in interventional cardiology.
› Do you have any advice for international medical graduates (IMGs) pursuing medical careers in the United States?
Times may have changed and it may be more challenging now to get into a residency as it is based on supply and demand. If you are determined and willing to put in the extra time and hard work, I believe you can achieve it. It’s important to keep in mind that success is not a single goal but a mindset and a passion that you carry throughout your career.
Start preparing early for your USMLE exams while you are still in medical school. In today’s connected world, there is access to so much electronic information that you can take advantage of to be prepared.
ECFMG advises: Make sure the advice, information, and practice materials you access are from official and reputable sources. You can access official USMLE practice materials here.
› Why should physicans get involved with giving back to their communities?
We owe it to American society and our own ethnic societies to volunteer and give back. It’s important to recognize the country that helped us get established and that gave us this opportunity. We should try to help those who are in need and who are not able to help themselves. And then if we have the resources and time, it is important to do whatever we can back in our countries of origin. There is a great satisfaction in helping and contributing in this way or any way you can.
› Any last thoughts you would like to share with our readers?
I suggest, in addition to doing charitable work, that IMGs get involved and volunteer for other opportunities through physician organizations. It’s important to reach out and help other young physicians who come after you.
After I completed training and started participating in practice, I got involved with APPNA, the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America. It was my priviledge to serve as the president of the New York Chapter, president of my medical school alumni, and as president of the Association of Pakistani-Descent Cardiologists of North America APCNA.
In 2014, I became APPNA’s National President. I am currently the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of APPNA. This organization provided me the opportunity to do educational, philanthropic, and volunteer work. APPNA continues to serve through projects right here in the U.S. as well as in Pakistan where our services are needed.
Learn more abour APPNA’s contributions, advocacy, and resources here.
ECFMG Resource:
Ethnic physician organizations vary in their missions. Some focus on raising awareness and promoting health care in their respective countries. Others seek to connect physicians of similar cultural origin. They may also strive to advance medicine in the United States. Membership levels and fees vary. Click here to see ECFMGs listing of more than 40 ethnic physician organizations and discover if joining such a group is right for you.
USMLE Score Reporting: Open for Public Comments
Preliminary recommendations on United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) score reporting from the convening organizations of the Invitational Conference on USMLE Scoring (InCUS) are now available. Individuals and organizations interested in this topic can review the recommendations, hear podcasts about InCUS, watch a webinar, and submit comments. The public comment period on the recommendations runs until July 26, 2019.
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Lasker Clinical Research Scholar Opportunity
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The National Institutes of Health, in partnership with the Lasker Foundation, announced the 2019–2020 Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program to support early career clinical researchers. Candidates must have a clinical doctoral degree and a professional license to practice in the United States. The application deadline is August 30, 2019. Read more.
ACGME’s Back to Bedside Recipients
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) announced the 2019 Back to Bedside funding recipients. This initiative is designed to empower residents and fellows to develop transformative projects that foster meaning and joy in work and allow them to engage on a deeper level with what is at the heart of medicine: their patients. Supported by ACGME, the Back to Bedside initiative provides a competitive funding opportunity for resident- and/or fellow-led teams to innovate. The initiative is also intended to create a learning collaborative made up of resident-/fellow-led research teams. Read more about the recipients and their projects here.
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In the News |
A collection of news articles you may find of interest:
Recommendations to Reform USMLE Now Available for Comment
Medscape, by Megan Brooks, June 17, 2019
(Free registration with Medscape may be required to read article.)
Pakistani-American Physician to Chair Largest US Doctors Group
SAMAA TV, April 19, 2019
Medscape Physician Compensation Report 2019
Medscape, by Leslie Kane, MA, April 10, 2019
(Free registration with Medscape may be required to read article.)
Do you have information on research poster presentations, upcoming conferences, or other opportunities that may be of interest to international medical graduates in the United States? If so, send your information to [email protected].
