Dr. Sajjad Ali Khan is a graduate of Khyber Medical College Peshawar and completed a one-year internship at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Dr. Khan completed an internal medicine residency at Aga Khan University Hospital in 2017. He later worked as an instructor at Aga Khan University before joining the endocrinology fellowship program which concluded in 2021. Dr. Khan is deeply committed to research and published papers in multiple peer-reviewed journals. He is also a regular reviewer for various medical journals.
What is your favorite Endocrine Society memory?
During my fellowship, I was honored to be short listed for the Bardin Travel Grant. At the ENDO conference, my co-authors and I were fortunate enough to get our abstracts accepted for the supplementary section of the Journal of the Endocrine Society. I’m very proud that my abstracts were published in JES!
How has Endocrine Society supported your professional development/career journey?
Although I did not ultimately win the Bardin Travel Grant, it was something I still consider significant professionally and I learned a lot from the experience.
What experience led you to the study of the endocrine system?
In countries like Pakistan where I practice, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing very progressively. I observed that there is a shortage of good endocrinologists who could play a part in tackling the pandemic of diabetes. This led me to choose endocrinology as a profession.
What is the best thing about what you are working on right now?
I am working on career progression and building connections. I am involved in various research projects with my senior consultants. We are trying to promote an environment of research and academics in Pakistan. I intend to start an institute specifically for diabetes and endocrine disorders where people can receive treatment and medical education.
If Endocrine Society could add one benefit, what would it be?
I would say the Endocrine Society should offer free membership to people from underdeveloped countries.
How have the various aspects of your identity or background influenced your career?
I live in a developing country where internists treat endocrine disorders and diabetes. I have seen many people with different endocrine disorders suffer as a result of the lack of trained physicians. It took a lot of work for me to get into a very competitive residency and fellowship program to help address my country’s shortage of endocrinologists.
