Page 26 - Child Art Magazine Transformative Experiences

1999WCF

Dr. Hina Inam

Art to Surgery

As a shy girl with lots of dreams in her eyes I entered an
arts competition and never did I think I’d win. And not
just win, but fly all the way to America and meet people
from all over the world. This was life changing. Not only
did the experience give me confidence, it brought a
realization that even wildest of dreams can come true.
And it further flourished my love for art.

I still remember the evening when the results were
to be announced. My teacher took me along to “The
Point” (place where the announcement was to be
made). I had no clue what was going on. I was thrilled.
When I went home, the expressions on the faces of my
parents were priceless when I told them I had won and
would be travelling to America. It was a great moment of
my life. The ICAF has had a significant effect in making
me more confident, more creative. I cannot thank
ICAF enough.

I had always wanted to be a doctor. The first time I saw
the beating heart and the lungs in action, I was in love surgery, anesthesia, cardiology—you name it and we have
and in awe with the masterpiece that God had created. them. My two best women friends are trauma surgeon
Once I had ended my internship, I knew surgery was and neurosurgeon.
what I will do for the rest of my life. I love working with
my hands. I could not just prescribe medications and I have four siblings. My sister Sumera obtained a
be happy. So surgery was it. But what type of surgery? I master’s degree in statistics and teaches at Dow Medical
loved neurosurgery and cardiac surgery, but had to select University. Farah is a textile designer. My brother is an
one. My love for the heart and the lungs won me over, so I aeronautical engineer, and Ayesha, the youngest, is an
am becoming a cardiac surgeon. I love the idea that I can undergrad studying commerce.
save a life.
For years Karachi’s walls have been spattered with the
My love for arts has led me to where I am. Losing oneself bloodstains of murder victims and scrawled with graffiti.
in something other than your academics is essential in Art has helped here, too. A group of artists and volunteers
keeping ones sanity during the rigorous curriculum of are reclaiming the walls by painting them with cheerful
medical study. The observation of artwork, studying each designs aimed at bringing some happiness and pride
line, color, and the particular details which make the work back to my violent, chaotic, and corrupt city.
intricate in itself not only gives one a more firm grasp of the
art, but can also build upon examination skills. Medicine is Festivals like the ICAF’s can bring world peace by
also an art form, with each intricate detail essential to the convening artist from all over the world to share ideas
welfare of individuals in the care of doctors. and rid the world of hatred.

Working in a men oriented department is an everyday As the winner from Pakistan, Hina participated in the
challenge. But we have many aspiring young women 1999 festival in Washington. She is now a doctor who
here in all fields of medicine: urology, general surgery, is completing her surgical residency in cardiothoracic
neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, breast surgery, vascular surgery at the Agha Khan University Hospital in Karachi.

24 ChildArt January -March 2017