Meet Our Staff: Dr Sadia Abdullah

Dr Abdullah: “The radiation technology that was available in the UK is also available at this hospital and I know that we are able to do our best for the patients here.”

Dr Sadia Abdullah is a Consultant Radiation Oncologist, who was living and working in the UK until she moved to Pakistan at the end of 2022. We chatted to her about the move and her position as the new Head of Clinical & Radiation Oncology at our hospital in Lahore.

Thank you, Dr Abdullah, for making time for us in your busy schedule. How did you come to work at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital in Lahore?

“I was working as a consultant radiation oncologist in the UK when I had to move back to Pakistan in November 2022. I consider it a privilege to be able to work at one of the Shaukat Khanum Hospitals in Pakistan.”

Even after having worked in the UK?

“Yes. The hospital in Lahore houses one of the biggest radiation departments in the country and is a prestigious cancer treatment institution. The radiation technology that was available in the UK is also available at this hospital and I know that we are able to do our best for the patients here. Working here gives me a unique feeling that I am giving back to my community by serving the most needy patients in a way that doesn’t happen when working overseas.”

Working in the healthcare industry is such an honourable calling. Is it challenging to work with cancer patients?

“Yes, but my journey so far has been extremely rewarding. The prayers of patients and their satisfaction keep me going during a hectic day. And, knowing that we’re serving them regardless of their financial situation. When patients come to my clinic, I do not know if they are paying for the treatment themselves or if they are receiving financially supported care, but all of them receive the same time, attention, and quality of care.”

Yes! And all because of the support from our generous donors. Do you have a message for them?

“As this is a charitable hospital, if you donate more generously, you will help us to treat even more patients.”

Our founder has dedicated his life to improving the welfare of ordinary Pakistanis. He is unable to make an appeal for Shaukat Khanum Hospitals this year, but in his absence, we hope you will continue supporting our patients and show that we still stand together in the fight against cancer.