My journey to Pakistan was driven by the remarkable dedication of Mr. Mohammed Riaz, a UK-based Consultant Plastic Surgeon of Pakistani origin. His unwavering commitment to advancing cleft lip and cleft palate reconstructive charity work, alongside his deep focus on education and training in plastic surgery in Pakistan, left an indelible impression on me. His efforts toward advancing medical care and education in his homeland were the single most compelling reason behind my own visit to Pakistan, allowing me the opportunity to join and contribute to his truly noble cause.
Gujrat Cleft Hospital: Teaching, Healing, and Giving Back
My first stop was Gujrat Cleft Hospital, where I had the privilege of conducting live demonstrations of plastic surgery procedures, sharing advanced techniques with local plastic surgeons and trainees. In addition to this, I organized a workshop to deepen the understanding of plastic surgical procedures, empowering local practitioners to apply them independently.
Visiting a local school and dispensary was another rewarding experience. With the support of Help Smile Trust (https://helpsmiletrust.co.uk/), we gifted £500 to supply school children with educational books and local dispensaries with much-needed medicines. Additionally, MACS Clinic (https://macsclinic.co.uk/ ) gifted ten plastic surgery textbooks to Gujrat Cleft Hospital, as well as to the plastic surgery departments at Faisalabad University Hospital (Faisalabad, Pakistan), Nishtar Medical University (Multan, Pakistan), and Bahawal Victoria Hospital (Bahawalpur, Pakistan). These contributions were complemented by a series of demonstration lectures and interactive sessions with the university plastic surgery teams, fostering valuable knowledge exchange and development within the field. I particularly enjoyed demonstrating my technique of dimple creation and Otoplasty at Faisalabad University Hospital.
Multan: Development of modern large burn’s unit
The Multan visit was marked by warmth, tradition, and hospitality. The local plastic surgery team welcomed me with garlands of red roses and honoured me with traditional gifts, symbolizing their respect and generosity. Nishtar Medical University houses Pakistan’s largest and most advanced burn unit. I am very grateful to Mr. Qamar Iqbal (Consultant General Surgeon, Hillingdon Hospital, UK) showing me various Universities and giving me insight into the healthcare provision in Pakistan. I had the privilege of connecting with Prof. Dr. Mehnaz Khakwani, the Vice-Chancellor and other influential leaders committed to advancing medical education.
My visit also extended to the BrahmaKumari centre in Karachi. It was a fortunate synchro destiny for me to get an opportunity to visit the BrahmaKumari Centre in Karachi. The founder of the spiritual organisation – Brahma Baba (Mr. Lekhraj Kripalani) started teaching Rajyoga and related meditation in Karachi. I enjoyed doing meditation at this unique place.
Bahawalpur: Knowledge Exchange and Collaborative Goals
During my time in Bahawalpur, I had enriching interactions with the plastic surgery team at the Bahawal Victorian Hospital, a local university hospital. They regularly organize workshops and live demonstrations to enhance the skill set of local surgeons, a practice I was honoured to contribute to. Future collaborations were discussed, and it was heartening to see their commitment to ongoing learning and skill-building.
Faisalabad University Hospital: Workshops and Insightful Interactions
At Faisalabad University Hospital, I participated in ward rounds alongside the local plastic surgery team, engaging with trainees and exchanging ideas. I delivered a presentation on the facts of dimple creation procedure, followed by live demonstrations of dimple creation and prominent ear correction procedures for the benefit of local trainees. These practical sessions were supplemented by an in-depth research meeting, where I collaborated with the team on emerging developments in plastic surgery.
I had a wonderful experience participating in the Association For Aesthetic Surgery of Pakistan (AASP) held in Lahore. It was an excellent opportunity to engage with fellow professionals, as I presented on advancements in aesthetic plastic surgery and conducted a live demonstration of dimple creation procedure, which received great interest from attendees. The conference brought together around 200 aesthetic plastic surgery practitioners from across Pakistan, fostering valuable discussions and exchange of insights in this rapidly evolving field. The atmosphere of collaboration and shared learning made the event truly rewarding. The gala dinner organised by Association For Aesthetic Surgery of Pakistan (AASP) was filled with traditional cuisine and music which was quite a memorable event for me. All the international faculty members were felicitated with shawls and garlands.
I enjoyed exploring Lahore, with its rich history, culture, and vibrant bazaars. Following the conference, I was fortunate to join fellow international faculty members on a three-day trip to Skardu, a bonding and sightseeing experience. This unique adventure allowed me to connect with esteemed colleagues like Dr Amin Yousuf and Dr. Muhammad Sheraz, further deepening our professional and personal ties.
Reflecting on the Eastern Culture and Hospitality
During my visit, I was deeply touched by the warmth and genuine hospitality extended at every step. From the beautiful garlands made of vibrant red roses to the thoughtful shields and trophies symbolizing respect and appreciation, the eastern tradition of welcoming international guests is unparalleled. Each gesture, including these symbolic gifts, reflected the country’s rich culture and the profound respect they have for their guests, making my experience truly memorable and heartwarming.
My time in Pakistan was more than a professional journey; it was a heartwarming experience rich with cultural exchanges, knowledge-sharing, and friendships formed. I returned with a profound appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality, strong tradition of learning, and the resilience of the local medical community in their quest to improve healthcare.
