Meet Our Staff: Dr Amina Khan

‘To other women, especially young doctors, I would like to say: be true to yourself and choose what you love to do, regardless of your gender.’

Dr Amina Khan is a Consultant Surgical Oncologist who has been destroying gender stereotypes in her chosen profession, from the time she was studying. But she’s proud to say that she’s never experienced any discrimination while working at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital. We interviewed her to learn more.

Dr Amina, please tell us about your training and association with Shaukat Khanum Hospital?

“I did my fellowship in the United States and then came to Pakistan and joined Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore. I have been working as a consultant surgical oncologist at Shaukat Khanum Hospital for almost 20 years now.”

Tell us a little about your time in the US?

“I remember that when I was training, surgery as a speciality was a male-dominated field but I believe that if you are passionate about something, you should never let gender come in the way of achieving your dreams. Simply do what you love to do.”

Have you, as a female surgeon, experienced any discrimination at our hospital?

“No. I have never felt that in the field of surgery here, my being a woman was ever a hindrance in my progress.”

We’re glad to hear that. Dr Amina, you are an inspiration to us all – staff and patients alike. Do you have a message to share?

“To other women, especially young doctors, I would like to say that be true to yourself and choose what you love to do, regardless of your gender.”

Thank you to Dr Amina and all our staff members who uphold our principle of treating everyone equally – male or female, rich or poor. Shaukat Khanum Hospital was founded on the conviction that everyone has an equal right to life, regardless of whether they can afford costly treatment. With your support, we’ve been treating as many as 75% of our patients without charge each year. Find out more about our work and see how we’re changing the face of cancer in Pakistan. You can assist by sponsoring the full or partial care of a cancer patient below.