Qaiser Dar
Kashmir 6 January (KNB): Recognizing the contribution made to patient care, a Kashmiri consultant with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust has been named as one of the 75 most influential colorectal surgeons in European history.
Born 1970’s in conflict torn Kashmir, resident of Solina Srinagar, Arshad Malik was included in ‘A History of the European Society of Coloproctology’, which brings together the 75 surgeons in Europe who have left a mark on the specialty, which investigates, diagnoses and treats all aspects of colorectal conditions.
Malik was included in the society after becoming one of the most qualified colorectal surgeons in the country.
Pertinently, he had scored highest marks in Europe in an advanced specialist exam, which was conducted in 2016.
In recognition of his achievement, he became the first person ever to receive the Lars Påhlman medal after out-scoring more than 100 candidates, who sat the European Board of Surgery Qualification (EBSQ) in Coloproctology.
Malik, who is a consultant laparoscopic colorectal and general surgeon based at Ipswich Hospital, said, “I am honoured to be named as one of the European Society of Coloproctology’s top 75 colorectal surgeons in its entire history.”
“To be recognized as making a mark in history and being an inspiration to generations, along with the other 74 surgeons, is a real privilege which would not have been possible without the excellent support I have received from my ESNEFT colleagues,” he said.
Malik further said, “I hope that this success will further enhance the growing reputation of our department as we strive to become one of the country’s best trusts for colorectal care.”
Arshad Malik is among very few colorectal surgeons in Europe and the UK to have subspecialty qualifications, and is consistently one of the top performers in the national bowel cancer surgical audit.
Speaking to Kashmir News Bureau, he said, “I topped in state for entry into postgraduate surgical training at SKIMS in 1999.”
He added, “During MBBS and after MS at GMC, Ashiq Hussain who has my utmost respect, acted as my mentor during those times.”
“At SKIMS there was good whole-rounded exposure to all fields of specialty which helped in shaping my career. Afterwards in Delhi, I spent some time at Ganga Ram hospital which certainly enhanced my skills,” Arhsad said.
He further said, “After training in Delhi, I went to UK in 2004 for higher surgical training,” adding that Indian surgical training is not recognised there and doctors who want to become surgical consultant last in UK have to retrain in UK.
Similarly, doctors who want to pursue advanced training to become consultants in UK have to undergo through higher surgical training schemes, which is immensely competitive.
Arshad told KNB that after sheer determination and will towards the specialty, his work is regarded as the best in the field.
“I have trained hard for this, I was focused all the time, one has to put his heart and mind into making his/her dream come true and that’s what I did.”
“To be recognized among the best is just a great feeling, making my family proud is the greatest achievement for me,” he added.
Advising the youth of Kashmir, who want to pursue their dream in surgical and other medicinal branches, Arshad said, “Be clear, focus and put everything into achieving your dream. Hard work and determination is the key to success. Use your energy on one thing and work on that specialty.”
“Don’t worry about being from a small town or village in Kashmir, that doesn’t change a thing. That which brings change and helps you achieve your goal is hard work, focus and pure determination, if you are willing to push the limit, there is no stopping you,” he added.
Malik also shared that he is planning to open a fellowship programme in the name of his father and provide resources, support and professional networks to students in Kashmir to pursue goals that they might not otherwise be able to achieve in a typical job or internship.
Pertinently, during the next few months, Malik will further expand the services available at Ipswich Hospital when he begins offering robotic surgery to improve outcomes in bowel cancer patients. (KNB)