07/04/2026
Picture from 2014, china.
Looking back at this picture, I see a young man carrying countless dreams, hopes, and uncertainties. I came to China with one goal—to become a doctor. At that time, I had no idea what life had planned for me. My biggest concern was simply finishing medical school and returning to Pakistan to clear the PMDC licensing exam. The USMLE wasn’t even on my radar.
As they say, everything happens for a reason.
When I returned to Pakistan in 2019, things were far from easy. Like many foreign medical graduates (FMGs), I found myself caught in the uncertainty created by constant regulatory changes—from PMDC to PMC, and then back to PMDC. The political instability and inconsistent policies cost many FMGs valuable time, created frustration, and left countless careers in limbo.
But sometimes, what feels like a setback becomes the beginning of a new journey. For many of us, those difficult years forced us to think differently, explore new opportunities, and redefine our future.
One thing I’ve learned is to always trust Allah’s plan. We often worry about the path ahead, but Allah knows what is best for us. Always thank Allah for what you have, be proud of where you are today, and never forget how far you’ve come. Every struggle, every delay, and every challenge has played a role in shaping the person you are becoming.
Alhamdulillah for everything. The journey continues…
