From carrying books in mother's head scarf to becoming a Global Icon
Dr Showkat Shifa shares his struggles and milestones
Showkat Hussain Tali Assistant Professor of Paediatrics at GMC Anantnag, has been awarded Global Icon Award in Health Care Excellence- Neonatologist for Year 2023.
Dr. Showkat a native of Shirpora, Frisal, a remote village in the Kulgam district, pursued his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 2010, and after a specialist degree in Neonatology from the Diplomate of the National Board - DNB.
Coming from a modest family background never seemed a hurdle in the glorious journey of Dr. Showkat even though limited family resources and hardships imposed tough times since his childhood.
“I recall the days when i carried books in my mother's scarf to school to pursue my education. I attended government schools to complete my education. after that i qualified pre-MBBS entrance examination with a top Rank and got admission in medical college . I believe that the struggle for good is never passive,” he said.
The Global Icon award serves as an inspiration for others to follow, and he believes it will lead to more good in the field of neonatology.
“When you receive national recognition, you tend to use your capabilities more effectively. Impossible ceases to mean "something not possible" when you have the powder of determination and of a strong will in your possession ” he added.
Despite facing all the difficulties in his life he achieved success.
Dr Showkat has given a dozen presentations in the several developed counties of the world. He also has many other feathers in his cap of success such as national science talent award, help foundation and Rajugandhi foundation award, EET-CRS award, emergency professional of India award, best young researcher award ( Pediatrics) 2022, WHO state branch appreciation certificate for significant contribution towards elimination of measels in the state and many more.
The award presented to him by the legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was given in recognition of his contributions to society in the field of pediatrics. Every year, Prime Time Research Media Pvt Limited recognises individuals who have performed exceptionally well during a specific time period. It is pertinent to mention, this year, Dr. Showkat was the only person from J&K to receive this honour in the field of health care.
Pertinent to mention, Dr. Showkat is the first national board-certified neonatologist in Kashmir.
He is also the President of National Neonatology forum -Kashmir (NNF-K) and Vice president of NNF- J &K. He has given presentations about his research findings all over the world. He is a member of the editorial board of Archives of Paediatrics and Neonatology and one of the authors of Textbook of Clinical Neonatology. (Rising Kashmir)
