IN MEMORIAM: “SULTAN” OF POST-GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION

Abstract

Professor Dr M Sultan Farooqui, fondly known to all as just as “Sultan” left for heavenly abode on 18^th April 2017. He was the Professor of Medicine and former President of College of Physician and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP).

“Sultan” did his MBBS from Liaqat Medical College (LMC), Jamshoro with a Gold Medal in 1961. In 1965 he acquired MPH from Dundee, United Kingdom and in 1976 he was elected as Fellow of CPSP in Medicine. “Sultan” served JPMC as Professor of Medicine and later as Director JPMC. He remodeled his medicine ward at JPMC into an exemplary unit, both aesthetically as well as provision of state of the art facilities for patients without any discrimination. This gesture exhibited his enthusiasm and sincerity to change the system.

In 1985 “Sultan” Sahib was given the responsibility of Controller of Examination at CPSP. Using his experience at Dundee, UK and heavenly gifted capabilities, “Sultan” revolutionized the examination process by incorporating novel ideas and inviting foreign examiners from Royal College of UK. To make examination system unbiased and transparent, he developed an unbiased system of evaluation of FCPS-I based on MCQs and computer scanning. 

His tenure as President of CPSP (1992-1994 and 1996-2007) was the golden era of the College. He established RTMC to monitor the training standards of fellows and replaced OSCE with TOACS as a more effective examination methodology. Using his financial skills, he introduced the idea of self-reliance and dependence on College’s own resources and to have more autonomy.

During “Sultan’s Era”, college had undergone a complete revamping to have the present grandeur, sophisticated, environmental friendly and lush green outlook.   This again speaks itself about “Sultan’s” aesthetic sense and love to natural beauty.

“Sultan” Sahib was a perfectionist, a very bold, unbiased, strict, non-compromising administrator. But as a man he had un-paralleled memory and knew all the employees of College by name. It is not possible to discuss every achievement of Professor Dr M Sultan Farooqui in a single manuscript.

He had an extraordinary capacity for loyal friendships around the world and outstanding communication skill. His wise counsel and enthusiasm will be missed by many.

“Sultan’s” lifelong ideals were hard work, passion and dedication striving for the highest order of perfection. He was always inspiring to many as a teacher, mentor, friend and colleague.

Professor Dr M Sultan Farooqi is survived by his wife and three sons.

Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to them.

“We Will Miss You Sir”

(Acknowledgment: Authors are indebted to Mr Salman Farooqui and Mr Zafaruddin for their invaluable and sincere assistance in preparation of manuscript).

Maseeh uz Zaman MD, FRCP (Ed)

Nosheen Fatima MD, FRCP (Ed)