A note of introduction

My name is Dr Syed Khawar Hussain Shah - understandably – I am mostly known as ‘Shah’.

I was born on the 28th May 1962 (at home) in Gujranwala, (Punjab), in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (previously ‘West Pakistan’).

We were fortunate that my family moved to Nigeria (West Africa) in late 1967, just after the Nigerian Civil war.

I was then about 5 years old. We initially lived in Kaduna and then in Sokoto. I lived with my parents, and 5 younger siblings, until mid-1978.

After finishing my ‘O’ levels at the Government College, Sokoto, and at the tender age of 16 years, I left home, and went to the U.K for further studies.

I came to Australia in February 1981 – at the age of 18. I did all my tertiary and specialist qualifications here.

Initially as a ‘foreign’ student – then as a naturalised migrant, I was much motivated by the lifelong hardships and subsequent sacrifices of my parents.

Despite the possible ‘glass ceiling’ effect, I achieved much.  I acknowledge that whatever I am today, it was only due to the massive parental financial and moral support and their fervent prayers.

My moral compass, religious mores, and the ethics of hard work – inspired and imbibed into me by my dear father (my hero and role model), has served me well.

I have had such a gifted life, without deserving the great blessings, bestowed on me. For that I am humbly and sincerely grateful to my Creator.

From an early age, I was fascinated by nature and animals. Nurtured and indulged by my loving parents, I achieved my dream of becoming a Zoologist.  Obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tasmania.

In 1984, I wrote a research based thesis (Control of Brain Temperatures in Marsupials) to obtain a First Class Honours.  I published original research papers in the USA and Australia on the ‘Tasmanian devil’ (Sarcophilus harrisii).  This was a labour of love, I truly enjoyed.

Due to the almost universal apathy about nature and animals, and especially the lack of local governmental foresight, supportive legislations or allocation of financial resources – I was hamstrung in my efforts to make a difference in this field of biology, and a passion.

Coming from developing countries – I was always cognisant of human sufferings due to diseases & the lack of basic medical services available.

I was fortunate enough to get into the ‘School of Medicine’, (University of Tasmania) and after graduation as a Medical Doctor, (MBBS), I focused on advanced trainings, and obtained fellowship of two specialist colleges - Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP) & Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

This competence and honed skills enabled me to work in rural and remote areas. Providing isolated communities, with (excellent) medical care and often as the only doctor; in places like King Island (Tasmania) and the township of Leonora (Western Australia), was very rewarding in many aspects.

One of the highlights of my medical career has been working with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in its remote Western Australia bases (Derby, Kalgoorlie, Meekatharra, and Port Hedland).

Initially, my professional specialisation interests were in General Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynaecology.  However, now, as a general medical practitioner – I have a special interest in Aboriginal / Ethnic health, Mental Health, Paediatrics, and General Medicine. 

I have also trained in Hypnotherapy (after all ‘words are the most potent drugs used by mankind’) and I have cultivated a very holistic view of health.  Several complementary allied health care modalities (non-drug based) like acupuncture, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications are given due consideration, in my treatment programmes.

I listen very attentively, and respect the diversity of humanity – giving my medical opinion based on my areas of expertise. I can hold consultations in Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, and can understand to different levels some major Nigerian languages (Hausa, Yoruba, and Ibo). I studied French at school, sadly, now very rusty.

As a hobby, I have been opportunistic and made use of facilities that arose.  Learning to play an Alto Saxophone (King Island) and the Didgeridoo.  Zoology still is a great passion. I like to travel, read books, and enjoy the challenge of breeding endangered parrots.

I am very grateful to God Almighty, as I have had a very blessed childhood and (albeit, very turbulent) life so far. Having fortunately lived in such a varied and diverse milieu, to leave behind a legacy; I have collated books, on diverse genres. 

I am truly blessed with three amazing children.  A beloved daughter (Sakina) and two sons (Dilawar and Haider). My religious conviction (‘Ithna ashari’ school of Shi’a Islam) and my children - are my raison d’être. My children’s smile and wellbeing are God’s gift to me and are my greatest reward in this life.

Dr Syed Khawar Hussain Shah
BSc (Hons), BMedSc, MBBS(Tas), FRACGP, FACRRM