Pakistani-American surgeon awarded Ellis Island Medal of Honour

Dr Adil Haider, an alumnus of Aga Khan University, received the honour for his medical services to the less fortunate

A Pakistani-American surgeon has been awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honour in the United States for his services to the "less fortunate".

The Ellis Island Medals of Honour “recognises individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity; all while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America." Past medallists include seven US presidents, several world leaders and two Nobel Prize winners.

Dr Adil Haider, an alumnus of Aga Khan University and Johns Hopkins University, said he was very humbled to have been bestowed the honour. “There are certainly many others who deserve this far more than me and I am just lucky to have been recognised. Only in America is this possible," Dr Haider said in a Facebook post.

Dr Haider further said, “[This] medal reminds us that the American Dream is alive ..... it’s our job to protect it and ensure that it remains for all to come, generation after generation."

Dr Haider is accredited with establishing the field of trauma disparities research and uncovering impact of racial disparities after traumatic injuries. He hopes to eradicate the disparities in healthcare in the US.

The other recipients of the award include five Indian Americans including PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, author Fareed Zakaria, Harman International Industries chairman CEO Dinesh Paliwal, Dr Annapoorna S Kini, Yashvant Patel and Mohan H Patel.

The recipients will be awarded in a ceremony on Ellis Island, New York, on May 13.