Lemar-Aftaab Oct-Dec. 1997 - Articles -Afghan Neurologist

Afghan Neurologist

By Khaleda Atta

[Dr. Jahan & daughter Sahar]

For most people, the thought of becoming a doctor is nothing more than a dream. But for Sheila Jahan, a young Afghan neurologist, her dream has become a reality. Jahan has only been practicing for two years but has already proven that with hard work and effort you can be anything you want to be.

Dr. Jahan was born in Kabul and grew up in the southern Afghanistan. She first pursued her dream of becoming a doctor in India where she attended medical school. Years later, when she moved to America, she was forced to practically redo her degree since it was not recognized at the same level. After another four years of residency and one year of fellowship at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Jahan reached her goal. Altogether, she had spent almost 18 years studying to become a recognized neurologist. Today, Jahan has three private practices throughout Virginia.

Jahan lives with her 73-year-old father and her nine-year-old daughter in Virginia. Her mother died of Cancer when she was younger. Being a young woman doctor, Jahan has influenced many people including her daughter who also wants to become a neurologist and follow in her mother’s footsteps.

Jahan admits that except for wanting to be a film star when she was younger, she has always wanted to become a doctor since the age of three. Her mother had influenced her as well since it was her life long dream to be a doctor, but she couldn’t because it was not “proper” for women to be too educated at her time. Jahan noted, “I couldn’t imagine being alive without being a doctor.”

On her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. One aspect of her life that she would change if she could is the fact that her mother passed away. “I wish I could have kept her alive,” said Jahan as tears welled up in her eyes. The two role models in her life have been her mother and her professor, Dr.Wood, who died of the same type of cancer as her mother. “Sometimes I find my mannerisms to be the same as him,” said Jahan.

Jahan thinks of herself as a “proper human being” and tries to keep connected to her culture and religion by being a good parent and helpful to society. She believes that she contributes to the betterment of the Afghan society by being a very prominent example to Afghan women. “Not many men could’ve achieved what I did. Neurology is a very competitive field,” added Jahan.

Jahan has won prizes for her talent such as “The Best Resident” in San Antonio, TX in 1993. Also, she is a member of almost all of the American medical associations and would like to become a member of any Afghan medical associations. In the future, Jahan plans to open a hospital in Afghanistan and be successful.

As words of wisdom towards Afghan women, Jahan noted, “Become educated, self-supportive and be independent.”