Pakistani-American Surgeon Wins Ellis Island Medal of Honor
Washington, DC: A Pakistani-American trauma surgeon in the United States has been awarded one of the country's most prestigious awards for immigrants — the Ellis Island Medal of Honor — in recognition of his expertise in the field and his service to the "less fortunate".
The Ellis Island Medal of Honour is "presented annually to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups while exemplifying the values of the American way of life".
Past Medalists include seven US presidents, several world leaders and two Nobel Prize winners.
In a Facebook post on Monday, the award-winning scientist and doctor said he was "humbled" to receive the honor as he believed there were "many others who deserved" it more than him.
"Only in America is this possible," he added, saying the "medal reminds [him] that the American dream is alive".
"It is our job to protect it and ensure that it remains for all to come, generation after generation," he added.
Haider also thanked his mentors, supporters, peers and friends and family at home.
Haider has authored more than 170 publications and "personally mentored more than 100 researchers," states his profile on LinkedIn, a renowned professional networking website.
Currently, he is working as the Kessler Director of the Center for Surgery and Public Health at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He is also the principal investigator on extra-mural grants worth more than $7m.
In his profile on the professional networking site, Haider says his "professional goal is to eradicate healthcare disparities and make healthcare safer and more patient-centered."
DrAdilHaider finished his early education in Karachi and attended the Aga Khan University to become a medical doctor in 1998.
He moved to the US the following year to pursue a master's degree in public health, following which he applied for residency and started a journey that has seen him become one of the best acute trauma surgeons in his field.
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