PRESIDENT
Rizwan A. Karatela, MD
West Palm Beach, FL
(561) 333-9406
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Sadeem Mahmood, MD
Bluff Ridge, AZ
(870) 540-0906
PAST PRESIDENT
Zeelaf Munir, MD
Rehoboth Beach, DE
(302) 227-4093
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Aamir Jamal, MD
Walnut, CA
(909) 444-0963
COUNCILLORS:
Farid U. Qazi, MD
Macon, GA
(478) 405-6010
Tanveer Imam, MD
Breinigsville, PA
(610) 395-0781
Naseem A. Shekhani, MD
St. Louis, MO
(314) 909-9532
Zia Moiz Ahmad, MD
St. Louis, MO
(314) 993-9022
Salman Saeed, MD
Memphis, TN
(901) 383-8397
Abdul Muneer, MD
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 233-5058
Aaliya K. Mahmood, MD
Tusun, CA
(714) 665-9920
Aftab A. Naz, MD
Madera, CA
(559) 673-2121
atrrat7,7;
NEWSLETTER
1301 Copperfield Avenue, Suite 203, Joliet, Illinois 60432 • Tel: (815) 726-6611 • Fax (815) 726-6651
E-mail: editoradowalumni.com	Web: http://www.dowalumni.com
WINTER, 2001
wedea e 7itez et 9e
The Tragedy that has touched us in many ways both as individuals and as a nation!
On behalf of the executive committee of Dow Graduate Association of North America (DOGANA) we pray for the souls lost in this great tragedy of our time. We are deeply saddened by the loss of many lives and pray for the solace and comfort for the grieving families. This tragedy and its aftermath have and will surely touch us in many ways than we can imagine. We must play our part and fulfill our obligation.
Current times will certainly burden us with tremendous responsibilities. The complex situation we are faced with will test our judgment. As responsible members of the community we must think methodically with cool heads on various issues, which are sure to arise in the aftermath of the tragedy. We must be proactive and engage in constructive debates, educating people in general and our own respective community in particular. We are faced with questions from our colleagues at work, from our patients, and from our own children. Our children growing in United States must have clear understanding of their position in this difficult and delicate situation. APPNA's role as a major Pakistani association would be very important. The APPNA leadership has taken steps very promptly and appropriately to show its active support of fight against terrorism.
We must highlight that as Pakistani-American everyone has made a tremendous contribution to this society on an individual as well as community level. Many of us have been leaders in building safe and law-abiding communities throughout the USA with strong sense of moral and ethical standards. This has made America stronger and Pakistani-American should be proud of this contribution.
While the main tasks for DOGANA as association were pointed out in the last summer meeting, there is a need to emphasize some important points in the light of the recent events. Organizing membership process; information for the newly arriving graduates; Dow Endowment fund and Dow Network are some of the projects we will be working hard to complete. We urge all the Dow graduates to actively participate in the membership drive to reach out friends and colleague urging them to become members. It is promising to note that the recent graduates from the classes of 1998 and 1999 are more aware of DOGANA's important role. Current DOGANA members will soon receive renewal notices to remind them of the membership updates. Dow Endowment Funds requires continued support from the Dow graduates. The details are being worked out for the long-term planning, investment, and utilization of the funds for the projects to help our Dow. We are fortunate to have Dr. Sultan Ahmed organizing this. More on this is included in this issue. While DOGANA is the most organized section of the Dow graduate community across the world, the vision of "Dow Network" and the lead role that DOGANA can play is important to stress here. We believe that Dow graduates should be well connected no matter where they live, in USA, in UK or in Pakistan. Please see the section on Dow Network in this issue.
In the end, I request everyone to please take a moment and be an active member of this association. Please send your comments, suggestion to us to improve and to identify issues and topics that you think are valuable. Go to online website and learn more about DOGANA and participate in the discussions.
Thank you.
Rizwan A. Karatela, M.D
President
DOGANA 2000-2001.
DOW LINK Winter Issue 2001
Editorial
Participation, Dow Network
Now that the sleeping giant has awakened, thanks to Zeelaf, it is time to establish some important old traditions of Dow.
With this issue we are attempting to re-visit Dow Days. It is more important now to express opinion on certain issues in current political environment. Fundamentalism, Extremism, Religious Fanaticism, Conservatism, Democracy, Imposed Democracy, Super-Impost Democracy, Terrorism, Freedom Struggle, Jihad and Crusade are some of the terms that might form the basis of the debates here. While our resources are limited, we do know that we have very talented Dow graduates residing in North America. Let us bring them out of their slumber. Who can forget the exciting Dow Days where active political minds met with all the vigor and action in political arena? Hasan Ali's article in this issue may be a good starting point in this direction.
Our lives are governed by calendars, tight schedules, fancy beeps, unwanted meetings, accumulated tasks and unfinished lists. Power of electronic communication is now realized by almost everyone, from the graduates of 1950s to 2000s. The communication and the participation in discussions is much better, swift and almost constant. Very active and informative Dow List server is one such example, thanks to Nadeem Ahsan's time and effort for running the Dow ListServe.
The print medium has its own place; it may have been redefined in the recent years but clearly it has not been replaced, yet. With limited resources and help, it is increasingly difficult to produce desired issues. It is our hope that with active participation of the members we would have more material to present on a regular basis. Online version of Dow Link is also in the planning; your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Editor
Naseem A. Shekhani Immediate Past President's Message:
Reflections from the Past President
Asalaam-o-alaikum. The opportunity I have had to serve as the president of DOGANA was immensely rewarding and I would like to thank the Dowites for their support.
Today, we are the largest Pakistani Alumni organization in this country. We have created history and reached a milestone to be proud of as a sleeping giant came out of hibernation. How did we achieve this in one short year? Through hard work, commitment and more importantly by challenging the long-held notion that Dowites are indifferent and by bringing about a paradigm shift. Now, if we have the resolve, we can have a successful social work agenda and collectively contribute towards the alma mater.
The tragic events of September 11th have changed the world. Can this be a defining moment? Let's hope and pray that there is an opportunity in this grave moment of adversity for developing a better understanding of the socio-political realities of the world.
It is a critical time for the Pakistani-American community. To preserve the interests of our community and our country of origin, premier organizations like APPNA have a significant role to play in legislative advocacy, strategic networking and shaping of public opinion.
Today, the Dow alumni are in a position to strengthen APPNA. This has been a sensitive topic for Dowites for many years, as there is a prevailing sense of injustice. Democratic process is affected by pure majority as well as by the intensity of involvement. If we work hard and work collectively, I believe, we can achieve our rightful place in Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America.
Finally, I urge you to get actively involved with the organization. You will find it a rewarding experience. Get in touch with your regional Councilors and put together a network of Dowites in your area. Also, try to attend the executive council meetings, share your views and ideas, participate in the various committees, and positively contribute towards the growth of the organization.
Thank you and God Bless.
Zeelaf Munir, MD	2
Immediate Past President	
DOW LINK Winter Issue 2001
PAKISTANI PHYSICIANS IN LEADERSHIP ROLES Hassan Ali Shahzeb, M.D.
Washington D.C.
It is mind boggling for many that how come the leadership role of the Pakistani Americans is completely in the hands of physicians! It is equally mind boggling back home that how come Doctors top the merit list of the civil service examinations and acquiring positions in excise, taxation, tourism, even foreign service. Dissecting cadavers and later spending sleepless nights taking care of patients would make them unqualified to hold a leadership role beyond their own field, is largely a common theme in Pakistan and among Pakistani expatriates. The reality is different, especially in the United States, where the leadership role of the community is predominantly in the hands of the physicians. The same is true for the Indian American community, where the Indian physicians are not the only people with financial stability. Despite a
sizable Indian population working at higher levels in the academic institutions and high tech industry, majority of the community organizations, including religious centers, is under the leadership ofIndian physicians.
Should it really be as surprising as it sounds? If we trace the genesis of these leadership qualities, we may notice that in Pakistan it is only the student elite that is able to make it to the medical colleges. Until a few years ago, a big majority of medical students came from the middle and upper middle classes, where atmosphere at home was enlightened. A typical medical student's family subscribed to a newspaper had a television and the head of the household was a college graduate, clearly not a norm in Pakistani society until a few years ago. Therefore they were intellectually superior to the student's at other institutions.
Medical colleges in Pakistan are not only a place to impart medical education, those are the fertile grounds to generate skills in fine arts and culture, at times more than the specialized institutions for that purpose. The literary and cultural societies of medical colleges are of such high standards that no other institution, even the departments of Literature at University level could compete with them. Who can forget the class and contents of the annual magazine from King Edward Medical College? The cultural week of Bolan Medical College, in collaboration of the Government of Baluchistan, used to be the singular weeklong annual activity of its kind in the Province. The intellectual and ideological discourse at Liaqat Medical College, where people like Palejo, Shaikh Ayyaz, Jam Saqi and Major Ishaq used to participate on regular basis, was a pain in the neck for the intelligence agencies under General Zia. Medical Colleges in Karachi were actually the only political, cultural and literary hub for many years, even in the darkest days of General Zia.
The annual function and the "Fete" of Dow Medical College, the Sports Mela of Sind Medical College were some of the activities that no other institution in the city could match. At all times the debaters from Medical colleges in Pakistan have dominated the field, specifically in Karachi. Political activities at Dow Medical College in
3
Karachi were of the standard that it has created its own history. It is a part of history that the movement against Ayub Khan was launched from Dow. The famous speech of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, when not a single platform was available to him due to the iron fist of Ayub Khan was made at Dow. Ironically Mr. Bhutto's speech as the Prime Minister when he criticized the political activities at Dow and said that the political decisions in other countries are made in the parliaments and Congress, in Pakistan these are made at Dow Medical College. Who could forget the headline of Dawn newspaper when Islami Jamiat-eTalba won its first election at Dow, when they captioned "communism defeated in Moscow." Union elections at Dow, Sind and Liaqat Medical Colleges, until banned under Zia rule, were fought on ideological grounds. From Islamic ideology to Marxism, from Maudoodi thoughts to khomeini's teachings, from international relations to restoration of democracy, the month-long activity at these campuses were intellectual exercises of highest degree.
One may ask logical a question that how come the political and cultural scene in Pakistan is fully devoid of physicians? The answer is simple; physicians have better things to do! Politics in Pakistan is the domain of a few families or the men in uniform. In urban Sind where MQM defies this pattern, the graduates of medical colleges dominate the leadership. Besides, making money and enjoying personal life is more appealing to them. However, they remain the biggest patrons of fine arts, in whatever form it is available in Pakistan.
To the contrary, in the US, while Pakistani physicians did so well economically, they were faced with a new problem of assimilating in their new culture. Having seen the experience of the expatriate community in Europe, they were cognizant of the threats to their families. In Europe, where expatriate population is older, people from various socio-economic backgrounds have gone through a bitter experience in their family structure. We have witnessed two extremes in that population. On one hand the second generation completely denied its cultural roots and adopted the western culture in its most radical form. One the other extreme, there are families who have kept a tight control on their children and compel them to live in traditional tribal setting.
Both these extremes have resulted in a major breakdown in the family system. Immigrant population in America, which is younger, has learnt from the experiences of their cousins in Europe. Physicians, as a group were a cohesive force with financial means. From the very beginning they had the sense and motivation to avoid taking the two extremes. That was the reason that more and more physicians took up the task of forming their cultural groups. Pakistani culture revolves around religion.
Therefore, a significant number of Pakistani physicians became active in masjid projects, with an eventual goal of turning them into cultural Centers.
(Continued on Page 6)
DOW LINK Winter Issue 2001
DOGANA ANNUAL MEETING AND DINNER 2001.
DOGANA officials with Maliha Lodhi
Class of 1980
Class of 1984
Class of 1962
Class of 1979
Class of 1982
Class of 1988
Class of 1980 and 1982
DOW LINK Winter Issue 2001
Dr.s Zia Ahmad and Zeelaf Munir at reception
Listening to the speakers
Dr.s Sadiq and Paracha, President of D.C.Chapter
Rizwan Karatela speaking at the reception
Class of 1983
At the reception
Drs. Alvi, Munir and Yousuf
All the presidents present, past and the future
DOW LINK Winter Issue 2001
(continued on Page 3)
PAKISTANI PHYSICIANS IN LEADERSHIP ROLES Hassan Ali Shahzeb, M.D.
It has nothing to do with their ideology. Many of the physicians, who were preaching Marxism as a student, now sit on the board of Islamic centers. By virtue of being thrown to different places in a residency program, Pakistani physicians are spread out all across the country. In smaller cities and towns, their residences have turned into cultural and religious centers of the region.
At the central level, APPNA became the only organization of Pakistani expatriate community with a clout that was not limited to their own regions but covered a much wider region. Being a homogeneous group, they were far more powerful than any other organization. The government of Pakistan soon spotted them. With combined assets exceeding $ six billion, Islamabad was soon looking towards them as potential investors. Pakistan's foreign office also
recognized the importance of this unique group of Pakistanis. It was the government functionaries from Pakistan who approached APPNA leadership, not the other way around. It was the Pakistani ambassadors who recognized the political clout of the physician body and sought help for lobbying purposes. During this past decade APPNA and its political arm Pak Pac as registered organization for lobbying have worked closely with the Embassy to assist them in any way necessary. It has expanded beyond the APPNA and Pak Pac platform. Influential community leaders, who happen to be physicians, have also joined hands to what they perceive as a payback to their home country. For most of the physicians, who take interest in Pakistani affairs, their involvement has two dimensions. On the one hand they have the bigger picture of serving the interests of the country. Interests of the country in terms of the foreign policy are defined by the governments in Pakistan, irrespective of the composition of the party in power. Therefore they continue to take a lead from the embassy in that regard while at the same time continuing to give their input. On the other hand, physicians continue to take interest in the political affairs of the country. APPNA from its platform has consistently been candid and vocal and its leaders have not minced words in expressing their point of view. The very same people who were involved in the passage of the Brown back amendment lectured General Musharraf on the urgency of a return to democracy.
Younger group of Doctors is showing in the organizational activities as well as in the community at large is a good omen. They are full of ideas. They are motivated and they have the intellectual capacity to make major strides in this country. However, lately the physician community in the leadership role is coming under criticism. As a result of Sept 11, there is an expanded racial profiling and Pakistani community is coming under pressure. There is a clear need to provide leadership to the community in their struggle against discrimination. The physician community is falling short on the expectations. That is why many of them are getting the label of Hollywood leaders, busy in limelight and cosmetic community work. It is time that the physician community plays the expected role and provides leadership in this hour of need.
Views expressed in this newsletter are of the individuals, are not necessarily views of the editorial board or DOGANA.
Dr. Hassan Shahzeb is a graduate of Dow Medical College. He writes regularly in many international and internet publications including Pakistan Link, Dawn and Jung Group newspapers. Dr. Hassan A. Shahzeb has been actively involve with PAK-PAC
Zeelaf Munir, MD
For the Treasurer of APPNA
The executive committee and the Dow Alumni membership appreciate Zeelaf for providing such a productive leadership and truly revitalizing DOGANA. With full confidence we support her future endeavors to bring the same commitment, energy, hard work and vision to APPNA.
Rizwan A. Karatela,
President DOGANA
NEWS
Dr. Basharat Ali, class of 56 assumes position of Secretary of the ECFMG.
Congratulation! It is indeed great pleasure to know that Dr. Basharat, elected Secretary of the ECFMG by the Board of Trustees on Saturday, the 8th of December 2001 in Philadelphia. This honor is not only for Dr. Basharat but for all the graduates of Dow. Please accept heartiest congratulations from the executive committee of Dogana.
Dow Class 25 year Reunion for Class of 77 The 25 year class re-union is being arranged at the annual Dow Summer Metting in July 2002 in New York City. For details contact: akarim@bcm.tmc.edu Dr. Amin Haji Karim and Dr. Munir Shikari
APPNA spring executive council meeting in Florida at Royal Plaza Hotel Walt Disney World Resort on February 8th, 9th and 10th For registration call 800-248-7890 ext 2500. Contact: Dr. Mohammad Hafiz Qazi is 407-876-6187 (H) and 407-247-8282 (M) for details
Dow Retreat in Orlando
February 8", 12 noon to 4 PM
Message from Chairperson Membership Committee of APPNA
Asalaam-o-alaikum! There was a phenomenal 40% increase in APPNA membership this year. Our membership increased from 1230 members to 1742 so far. The Dow Alumni were a significant contributor to the growth in membership this year. In my capacity as chairperson of the membership committee and on behalf of the membership committee I would like to thank the Dowites for their contribution and urge their continued support to make APPNA stronger.
Thank you.
Zeelaf Munir, MD	6
Chairperson APPNA Membership Committee	
Dow Graduate Association of North America	1ST CLASS
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DOW LINK Winter Issue 2001
Fund Raising Event for Emergency Operating Theatre Project for Dow Medical College and Civil Karachi, a great success.
Fatima
A fund raising evening was held in St. Louis on the weekend of Thanksgiving to raise funds for emergency operating theatre projects for emergency department of Civil Hospital and Dow Medical College Karachi. This was a well-attended program, which was very successful. A total of $36,000.00 was raised that evening and some pledges totaling $14,000.00 for a grand total of $50,000.00. The donors not only included graduates from Dow Medical College, but also Pakistani physicians from other medical colleges.
This project was the brainchild of the organizing committee after the Jubilee celebration of class of 1976. In planning their celebration for this year, they proposed Building and Emergency Operating Theatre for the Emergency Department of Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital Karachi. The emergency department of Civil Hospital of Karachi, being one of the three receptacles for all trauma cases, is a very busy place with meager resources. This emergency department does not have its own operating theatre, in spite of a large number of cases requiring emergency surgeries on a daily basis. It was recognized that there is a crying need to help improve the medical care given to these patients. Hence, this project was undertaken. This was an ambitious project requiring a tremendous amount of financial and personal resources but with the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the graduating class of 1976 the project slowly but definitely progressed. The physical structure has been completed. The next stage involves getting the required equipment, and proper running of the emergency department operating theatre. The graduates of class 1976 in the United States took it upon themselves to raise $50,000.00 for equipment. Our fundraiser was arranged under the banner of Dow Medical Association of North America (DOGANA) and PPA of St. Louis on Friday the 23rd of November 2001 at Maryville Center Marriott of St. Louis., Missouri.
Dr. Azra Reza gave a CME lecture followed by a very moving presentation, which reminded us of the dismal condition and desperate need of our casualty department at Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. She pointed out that graduates from Dow Medical College and other medical schools in Pakistan have achieved great personal and professional success. They have genuinely shared their success with other members of the Pakistani and Muslim community in the United States and throughout the rest of the world thus, supporting many different projects. She pointed out that by our participation in this program, this could be the first substantial gift for our great city of Karachi. This has the potential to be a pioneering effort and a groundbreaking deed, which will undoubtedly set a long overdue tradition. This will be a valuable gift to the institution for the benefit of future medical students and of course more importantly for the patients. She shared with us the fact that this project has generated incredible excitement and anticipation in
7
Siddiqui, MD
Dow / Civil Hospital Karachi. Dr. Abid Nisar showed a video about the existing conditions of the emergency department DMC / Civil Hospital Karachi. He welcomed the graduates of Dow Medical College, Class of 1976,
along with graduates of other medical colleges.	He urged them to support this project and to make a generous donation. Dr. Abid Nisar's talk was very much appreciated by the feature speaker of the evening, Dr. Malik Mujahid, President of Sound Vision Inc., He pointed out that even though he is not a doctor, he was acutely aware of the importance and the central role that the emergency department of Dow / Civil Hospital Karachi played in medical care. In order to make any attempt at improving the medical care, it is imperative that the condition of the emergency department of the public hospitals be improved. He pointed out that in this regard, Civil Hospital deserves our attention first and foremost. The day being the Thanksgiving weekend and the month being the holy month of Ramadan, this would be a perfect occasion to show appreciation and generosity. If this project is successful, it will become an example of a coordinated united effort. He asked everyone to donate generously. Those present responded whole heartedly.
The function was a great success not only in terms of donations but also in sowing the seeds. Hopefully, this will be the start of a new tradition, a tradition of giving back to the institutions that gave so much, to so many of us. A project that was originally started by the DMC class of 1976 almost instantly gained wide spread support from graduates from other classes. A message from President of DOGANA, Dr. Rizwan Karatela was also delivered by Dr. Shekhani. The organizing committee included Dr. Fatima Siddique and Dr. Moheet and Dr. Abid Nisar of class of 1976.
This event also joined by graduates of other classes, Dr. Zia Moiz Ahmad (class of 1982). Dr. Zia Ahmad was master of the ceremony. Dr. Nadeem Ahmed represented non-DMC graduates of the Pakistani community. Organizers of this event made sure that, this function was successful and well attended. In short, efforts of everyone in the graduating class of 1976 made the program, a huge success.
OBITUARY:
Dr. Bilqees Afzal passed away on October 14th, 2001. May Allah rest her soul in peace and give patience, courage and strength to her family. She was 67. She was Professor of Anatomy/Histology at Dow, Sind Medical College, Fatima Jinnah Dental College and recently was Principal of Sir Syed Medical College.
Dr. Asif Sheikh (Dow 66) passed away On 1/1/2001 in South Carolina. Asif was a Blessed man and a blessing to his family and friends. May Allah reward him with his bountiful Mercy in the hereafter. Ameen