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History

History of KEMCAANA

At KEMCAANA, we unite King Edward Medical University graduates worldwide
to advance healthcare, education, and community service.

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1950s–60s
Beginning of the Journey
In the 1950s and 60s, many King Edward Medical College graduates went to England and Scotland for postgraduate training (MRCP, FRCS, etc.). As U.S. medical programs gained popularity, more physicians moved to America. Dr. Amanullah Khan (KEMC ’63) began tracing alumni in 1972 and organized the first reunion at Niagara Falls in July 1973 — a historic gathering that inspired the creation of KEMCAANA.
1975
Birth of KEMCAANA

Following the success of the reunion, attendees decided to form the King Edward Medical College Alumni Association of North America (KEMCAANA).
By 1975, over 400 graduates had joined, and the first official meeting was held in Atlantic City during the AMA convention.

1975
The First President

At the first summer meeting in 1975, 43 Kemcolians and their families attended.
Dr. Amanullah Khan was elected as the first President of KEMCAANA, and the association’s first constitution was adopted, serving effectively for two decades.

1976–1980
Growth and Collaboration

KEMCAANA continued to grow, holding regular meetings and collaborating with the newly formed APPNA (Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America).
Under leaders like Dr. Maalik Mirza and Dr. Ishaq Chishti, KEMCAANA maintained its independence while contributing to APPNA’s collective mission of uniting Pakistani physicians abroad.

1980–1984
Postgraduate Education Fund Established

Recognizing the challenges faced by foreign graduates, KEMCAANA created a Postgraduate Education Fund in 1983 to sponsor KE graduates for U.S. residencies.
The first residency position was secured at the University of Connecticut, and Dr. Salman Rashid became the first trainee in 1984, later named Resident of the Year.

1985–1990s
Expansion and Academic Recognition

An Honor Roll recognizing major contributors to the PGE Fund was installed in Patiala Block in 1985.
KEMCAANA’s residency program expanded to multiple U.S. hospitals including Washington University, Lincoln Memorial, and Monmouth Medical Center, training over 100 graduates by the late 1990s.

1991–1994
Model Ward at Mayo Hospital

Under Dr. Mushtaq Sharif (President 1991), KEMCAANA launched a Model Ward in Mayo Hospital to modernize patient care.
The ward was equipped with urgent lab instruments, crash carts, and medical tools — marking one of the earliest major facility donations to KE.

2001–2005
Computer Lab and E-Library

In 2001, KEMCAANA established a Computer Lab in the Biochemistry Department, later expanded into an E-Library with 40 computers, Wi-Fi, e-books, and journals.
Managed by Mr. Rashid Javed, this project revolutionized digital learning at KE.

2006
KEMC Becomes a University

In 2006, King Edward Medical College was officially granted university status, becoming King Edward Medical University (KEMU).
KEMCAANA debated whether to change its name but decided to preserve its original identity representing the historic college alumni.

2006–Present
Continuing the Legacy

KEMCAANA continues to build bridges with current KEMU students, guiding them on U.S. residency pathways and professional development.
Through education, collaboration, and service, KEMCAANA remains a proud link between its alumni and their alma mater.

Join the Legacy, Shape the Future

Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, your
contribution matters. Join us today and help create a better tomorrow.