Karachi, The medical community mourns the loss of Dr. Riaz Qureshi, widely recognized as the “Father of Family Medicine” in Pakistan and the surrounding region. Dr. Qureshi, an esteemed graduate of Dow Medical College in 1966, passed away recently, leaving a profound legacy in the field of Family Medicine (FM).
According to The Aga Khan University, where Dr. Qureshi served with distinction, he spent nearly two decades in the UK and the Middle East before returning to Pakistan. His vision was to introduce and establish the specialty of Family Medicine in the country. He realized this dream by founding the first section of FM at AKU within the Department of Community Health Sciences, ultimately leading to the creation of the Department of Family Medicine at AKU in 2003, where he served as the founding Chair.
Dr. Qureshi’s passion for Family Medicine was transformative. He played a pivotal role in developing the Royal College of General Practitioners-International (MRCGP-INT) program, extending its reach to Pakistan and South Asia. His dedication to this program earned him the prestigious President’s Medal from the Royal College of General Practitioners, a rare honor for a South Asian. His contribution significantly influenced the professional development of thousands of general practitioners in the region.
A visionary and a revered mentor, Dr. Qureshi’s impact spanned nearly three decades, profoundly influencing residents, faculty members, and students across Pakistan and beyond. His clinical and communication skills were legendary, making him a beloved physician across generations. He was instrumental in initiating AKUH’s medical centers in Malir and Rashid Minhas, and the department’s occupational health program, which expanded accessible and quality care across Pakistan.
Dr. Qureshi’s empathetic nature and compassionate approach resonated deeply with those around him. Known for his humor, positive outlook, and love for Urdu poetry, he enriched the lives of many in the medical community.
Survived by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Qureshi, and their three daughters, Professor Riaz Qureshi leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue through the work of his students and trainees. The Aga Khan University and the broader medical fraternity extend their deepest condolences to his family. Professor Riaz Qureshi’s contributions to medicine and his influence as a physician, teacher, and mentor will be profoundly missed and long remembered.