A researcher never retires

There are men who move the mountains, there are men who scale them, there are men who learn a hundred skills, there are men who teach those with all their heart, there are men who frame the rules, there are men who follow them, there are men who have fun and there are men who just mean business- these are too many qualities to be expected in a single man that too in a busy doctor working in one of the busiest hospitals of the valley i.e., SKIMS. Luckily we had the opportunity to work with one such doyen who not only upheld the flag of SKIMS but inspired generations of doctors and worked to instill in them the scientific temperament, clinical acumen and a quest for research. Prof. Shariq Rashid Masoodi is an outstanding individual who represents a unique blend of intelligence, diligence, community service, health advocacy, scientific curiosity, research excellence, and an adventurous spirit that reaches both the heights of knowledge and the call of the wild.

Dr. Shariq has made remarkable contributions as an endocrinologist. His well-quoted research helped change the scenario of many diseases like goiter and diabetes. His research on thyroid disorders has been instrumental in bringing the attention of healthcare authorities of the state to the problem of iodine deficiency for which corrective measures were undertaken. He stepped out of SKIMS to conduct epidemiological studies and surveys. He studied the nutritional and hormonal status of our population and drafted the corrective measures to overcome the issues confronting us. A researcher’s work doesn’t retire; it continues to inspire long after he has stepped away. His work is an enduring gift to us all. Not only did he conduct research himself but he ensured that his juniors, residents and postgraduates conduct research and tried his best to remove the hurdles which would hamper them from conducting quality research.

At SKIMS, Dr. Shariq would always volunteer work, shoulder responsibilities and carry them out with perfection. Known for his keen eye and clear vision he drafted many plan manuals, policy documents and annual reports for SKIMS. He served as the Editor of SKIMS Journal and helped in its indexing. He served as the founding chairman of Ethical committee SKIMS, as Sub-dean Academics and Coordinator Medical Education Unit. There is not a department at SKIMS to which he has not contributed, no area has remained unaffected by his active intervention and wisdom. Technology and statistics has always amused him. His teaching and advice has always been free for all those who seek it.

Although he got limited time as Dean Medical faculty, SKIMS he worked hard to uplift the standard of SKIMS Deemed University and to make it one of the most sought-after universities for graduates, postgraduates and post-doctoral students across India. His student-friendly attitude, his ‘going by the book’ approach and his strict adherence to the rules and regulations have elevated the standards of education at SKIMS and made him a true role model.

While contributing maximum and nourishing SKIMS with his talent and experience, he has become lately a health activist. He has launched aggressive campaign on social media to promote healthy life style and create public awareness on common diseases affecting our population. He has engaged directly with public addressing their health issues and answering their health queries. His short and educative videos on various diseases like Osteoporosis, Diabetes, Hypertension, Hypothyroidism are very popular with the public and speak of his commitment towards his community.

Dr. Shariq has blended adventure with education. He is an enthusiastic trekker, a skier and a mountain lover. His photo-shoots with his co-adventurists have spread positive vibes in the community. His long walks, bicycle rides, and his ‘never stop exploring attitude’ have made a true hero out of him.

As Dr. Shariq is superannuating from his position as the Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS, of all the qualities that he possesses I would definitely miss his presence in discussions, seminars and grand-rounds of which he has been an inalienable part. Doctors like Dr. Shariq are rare. SKIMS would take long to fill the void but I am sure he will play a greater role in community health and help the authorities with solutions and guidelines as the epidemics of lifestyle diseases threatens our very existence:

…You came as a rain to the thirsty little buds,

You are I am sure,

A precious stone in the jewelry of hope.

You are I am sure,

A precious document in our documentary of

Achievement.

The institution is an old Mom, whose tangled silver tresses

You are still untangling, combing and oiling

With love.

How will it feel, when you are no longer on the rounds?

How will it feel when an auditorium doesn’t hear your roar?

Will a discussion be complete when you don’t make a point?

But then-Life goes on….

The institution follows a simple rule

One who comes here- leaves…

Whether a resident, faculty, patient or an attendant…

And you Sir are leaving all your baggage here…

To nourish a garden of hope.