Pioneer of Pulmonology: The Lifelong Mission of Dr. Shereen Khan

By: Mr. Muhammad Syed Yaseen

In a region where access to specialized healthcare has long been a challenge, dedicated medical professionals serve as the bedrock of public wellbeing. Among Balochistan’s most distinguished figures in respiratory medicine is Dr. Shereen Khan, an Associate Professor, consultant pulmonologist, and humanitarian whose work has modernized chest medicine and critical care across the province.

The Journey to Academic & Clinical Excellence

Born in Zhob and hailing from Kawas, Ziarat, Dr. Khan’s educational journey began at Tameer-e-Nau Public School and College in Quetta. Driven by a desire to serve his community through medicine, he earned his MBBS from Bolan Medical College (BMC).

He began his career as a Medical Officer in Ziarat in 2001 before joining BMC as a Registrar. Pursuing high-level specialization, he completed his FCPS in Chest Diseases at the Aga Khan University (AKU) in Karachi—where he was honored with the Best Fellow Award for two consecutive years—before returning to Quetta in 2008 as an Assistant Professor.

Revolutionizing Respiratory & Critical Care

Upon returning to Quetta, Dr. Khan was posted to Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital, where he recognized a critical gap in public health awareness: while most associated respiratory illness solely with Tuberculosis, TB accounted for only ten percent of overall chest diseases.

Determined to transform regional care, he spearheaded major institutional upgrades:

• Modern Critical Care Infrastructure: Led the installation of ventilators and modern Intensive Care Units (ICUs) at Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital, securing significant support from the Pakistan Chest Society and institutional donors.
• Academic Leadership: Currently serves as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of TB and Chest Diseases at Bolan Medical College, Quetta.
• Organizational Roles: Holds key leadership appointments as Registrar of the Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI), Vice President of the Pakistan Chest Society, Provincial Coordinator for National Action for Tobacco Control, and honorary faculty member at the Institute of Public Health (IPH).
• Research Recognition: Awarded the Gold Medal by the Pakistan Chest Society for his original research contributions to pulmonology.

Community Advocacy and Public Health

Beyond hospital wards, Dr. Khan is an active advocate for preventive medicine and occupational safety. He conducts targeted awareness drives for coal miners and mine operators across Balochistan regarding toxic gas exposure and lung disease prevention. Additionally, he leads anti-tobacco and drug abuse campaigns aimed at protecting regional youth.

A dedicated philanthropist, Dr. Khan regularly supports underprivileged patients unable to afford medical care, ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of life-saving treatment.

Global Perspective and Message to Youth

Having represented Pakistan at medical forums across more than 15 countries—including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the Netherlands—Dr. Khan remains committed to building a positive, modern image of Balochistan driven by talent and merit.

Reflecting on the vital role of the upcoming generation, Dr. Khan emphasizes:

“Youth are the backbone and last hope of any nation. In an era defined by knowledge and technology, young people must dedicate their expertise to uplifting society and serving the helpless masses of our resource-rich province.”