From Commecs to the Operating Room: The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Yusra Jamshed
An alumna of Commecs College, Dr. Yusra Jamshed graduated in 2013, where a solid academic foundation and a culture of excellence shaped her aspirations. She credits the dedicated teachers and supportive faculty at Commecs for refining her discipline, critical thinking, and determination: qualities that have guided her throughout her medical journey. Today, she is a distinguished surgeon and Clinical Research Specialist at the Center of Excellence for Women and Child Health. A graduate of the prestigious Aga Khan University, Pakistan’s leading medical institution, Dr. Yusra combines clinical expertise with academic insight to inspire the youth, demonstrating how dedication and vision can transform ambition into a life of service.
Tackling Health Risks with Smart Choices
Dr. Yusra identified poor eating habits as a primary cause of Pakistan’s escalating health issues. According to a 2021 report, over 30% of Pakistanis have diabetes, with many developing it at a young age. Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent among individuals in their 30s and 40s, often due to a sedentary lifestyle coupled with high consumption of processed and refined foods. PCOS is increasingly common: affecting about 65% of urban women, with inactivity and frequent junk food consumption as significant contributors.
She highlighted the dangers of ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and excess sugar, linking them to chronic inflammation, obesity (10x higher risk), and even cancer; one in five women is likely to face cancer risk in her lifetime. She cautioned that seemingly “healthier” choices like bakery snacks or air-fried foods, if consumed regularly, still burden the body. She also emphasized that myths must be dispelled: kidney stones can develop regardless of diet alone, and heart patients can and should eat green vegetables.
Her practical solutions include adopting the 80/20 rule: eating healthily 80% of the time and allowing occasional treats; practicing portion control; replacing sugary drinks with lemon water; and recognizing that cravings often indicate nutrient deficiencies, for example, sugar cravings may signal magnesium deficiency. She also recommended using healthier oils like mustard oil, incorporating fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean meats, and following the Mediterranean diet for long-term heart health. Physical activity, she stressed, is non-negotiable: aerobics, brisk walking for 25–35 minutes at least 4–5 times a week, and maintaining an active lifestyle are essential for reducing disease risks.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Yusra’s passion for medicine was ignited by her fascination with treating diseases. After completing her MBBS at Aga Khan University, she undertook 2.5 years of surgical training, refining her precision, decision-making, and compassion. Her long-term vision is to become a leading public health scientist and surgeon, and to establish her own faculty to train future medical leaders.
Her message to students is clear: define your goals with unwavering clarity and never allow relationships or social pressures to limit your potential. “Prioritise your ambitions and your growth,” she says, “because it is your vision, not the voices around you, that will shape your success.”
A Motivation for the Youth
A student can draw great inspiration from Dr. Yusra Jamshed’s journey, which shows that dedication, discipline, and a clear vision can turn ambition into meaningful impact. She teaches that progress is not always perfect, and one must be kind to oneself while striving for growth. Her passion for solving diseases and her decision to pursue surgery highlight the importance of curiosity and problem-solving. Crucially, her story shows that with focus, self-belief, and compassion, one can inspire others and create lasting change.
Written by :
Manal and Momina from OHK
