Medical College Admits First Second-Generation Student

The year was 1986 and Bashir Hanif had just enrolled in Aga Khan University Medical College (AKU-MC). Bashir, who came from a village with a small open-air school and only one teacher for all grades, had worked extremely hard to reach this stage in life. Recognising Bashir’s genuine talent and case for support, the University offered financial assistance throughout his studies at the Medical College.

A proud Dr Hanif Bashir (Class of 1991) with son Atif, the first second-generation student at AKU-MC.

“My experience at AKU helped me grow as a professional and as a person,” recalls Dr Bashir Hanif. “I can never forget the pride in my parents’ eyes when they came from the village to attend my graduation ceremony in 1991. This would not have been possible without the support of the University.”

Following graduation, Dr Hanif was accepted in a residency programme at State University of New York, Stony Brook, USA. After completing his residency in 1996, he went on to do a fellowship in cardiology and another in interventional cardiology. In 2000, he joined a private cardiology group practice in New Jersey where he worked for four years before deciding to move back to Pakistan.

In September 2004, Dr Hanif returned to Karachi with five American board certifications in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology and comprehensive echocardiography. His wish now is to serve the country by establishing quality postgraduate training programmes in all fields of cardiology and, with a vision to help the poorest, has already set up a clinic in his native village in Gujrat, Punjab.

Today Dr Bashir’s 17-year-old son Atif can proudly claim to be the first second-generation student at the Medical College. “I have always been inspired by my father’s achievements and I decided to enrol in AKU as it has played a significant role in his success,” says Atif, who is currently in his first year of studies. After graduation he plans to assist his father in his mission to help the disadvantaged.    

“Dr Bashir Hanif’s case is just one of many examples where AKU has recognised and supported outstanding and deserving students. We hope Atif will follow in his father’s footsteps and forward his cause for the betterment of society,” comments Dr Mohammad Khurshid, Dean, AKU-MC.

The University is open to all academically qualified students irrespective of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, creed or domicile. At the same time, AKU’s needs-blind policy ensures that no student who qualifies for admission on the basis of merit is denied entry for lack of funds. On average, nearly 45 per cent of students enrolled at the University receive some form of financial assistance. AKU’s objective is to develop quality human resources that can have a positive impact on the sustainable development goals of the developing world.