Dr. Basheer Ahmed was born in India, completed his undergraduate education at Osmania university in Hyderabad and medical education at Dow Medical College in Karachi. He did his post graduate training at Glasgow University in Scotland. He completed his diploma in Psychiatry and became a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsy) London. He was also awarded FRCPsy London. He’s a board-certified Psychiatrist and received the highest distinction as a distinguished Life Fellow of American Psychiatric Association. He migrated to the United States in 1968 after finishing his training at Glasgow University. He spent 18 years in the Academic field starting with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and later became a professor at a prestigious medical school, UT Southwestern Medical College in Dallas Texas. He spent the next 25 years in a private practice in Fort Worth Texas.
He enjoyed a long career as a psychiatrist, professor, medical director, public speaker, and author of books and articles on mental health issues and Islamic culture. After retiring from private practice,Dr. Ahmed has devoted his time to social service activities and interfaith understanding. A recipient of numerous national and international awards, he received a humanitarian award by Tarrant County Medical Society, Multicultural Alliance of Fort Worth for his lifelong humanitarian contributions. He received a Peacemaker of the year award, by Dallas Peace Center. Asian Chamber of Commerce Award for “diversity beyond boundaries” presented by Governor Greg Abbot, Dr. Ahmed has been featured in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Education, and Who’s Who in the World. He was also named as a lifetime achiever by Marquis’ Who’s Who publication. He’s the former IMANA President. He was honored to be invited to the White House in 1979 and met President Carter several times in Atlanta, Georgia.
The University of Texas at Dallas established both an endowed chair in the Department of Science and an auditorium named in honor of Dr.Shakila and Basheer Ahmed. These milestones were not about personal recognition, they were about the legacy of service and justice.He has published many papers in professional and Islamic journals, edited and written six books:
- Domestic Violence: Cross Cultural Perspective
- Muslim Contributions to World Civilizations
- The Islamic Intellectual Heritage and it’s Impact on the West
- My Story as a Muslim Immigrant in America
- Why are Americans Obsessed with Guns
- The Rise and Fall of Muslim Civilization: Hope for the Future
He lives in Plano, Texas.
A Message to Young American Muslims — and to All Youth of Conscience
By Dr. M. Basheer Ahmed, M.D.
Physician, humanitarian, mental health advocate, and former IMANA President
More than fifty-five years ago, I made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States. Like many, I arrived filled with hope, curiosity, and ambition. Today, I can say without hesitation: I made the right choice. Despite the challenges, this country has offered me the opportunity not just to succeed, but to serve—to dedicate my life to healing, teaching, and uplifting others.
As a physician, I provided free medical and mental health care to underserved communities for decades. I was honored to be invited to the White House several times for my contributions and to establish both an endowed chair and an auditorium at the University of Texas, Dallas, TX. These milestones were not about personal recognition—they were about the legacy of service and justice I wished to leave behind.
America: A Land of Opportunity, and Responsibility
I’ve lived in both England and America. In England, I was always seen as a foreigner. In the U.S., I became part of something greater—a tapestry of cultures, dreams, and identities. Here, everyone has roots elsewhere. This shared sense of otherness is what makes America uniquely inclusive.
This country was built on the idea that all people are created equal and are endowed with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And for the most part, those ideals hold true. I’ve seen immigrants rise to become CEOs of major companies like Microsoft and Google. I’ve seen a child of a Kenyan immigrant become President, and a woman of Indian heritage become Vice President. This is America at its best.
But We Must Not Be Silent in the Face of Injustice
However, the promise of America is fragile. We are witnessing the resurgence of racism, xenophobia, and political polarization. Millions remain without access to basic health care and quality education. Wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few. We are, in many ways, failing to live up to our ideals.
As a physician who has treated thousands—rich and poor alike—I’ve seen the human toll of inequality. I’ve fought to provide services that should have been rights, not privileges. And I know this: real change begins with the courage to speak, to act, and to care.
Silence Is Not an Option
After 9/11, when Muslims in America were vilified, my non-Muslim neighbors and colleagues stood beside me. When the Muslim travel ban was enacted, it was non-Muslims who flooded the airports in protest. This is the soul of America—people standing for one another, regardless of faith or background.
But too often, I see young Muslims remaining quiet. We express outrage in WhatsApp groups but fail to engage in real civic action. We lament injustice, yet hesitate to step into leadership. We must understand: silence is complicity.
Islam teaches us to be agents of justice and mercy. The Qur’an says:
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (13:11)
Our Moral Compass Must Guide Our Actions
I’ve been disheartened by the argument that moral values in America have eroded. But values are not enforced by governments—they live within us. Every faith tradition teaches compassion, humility, and justice. If 90% of Americans say they believe in religion, why don’t we see those teachings reflected more broadly?
True faith is not just about rituals—it’s about serving humanity. Every religion was sent to uplift the human soul and to dignify every human being. This is the spirit that must animate our activism.
A Call to Young Leaders: Dream Boldly, Act Bravely
To the youth—especially American Muslims: your faith, your story, and your identity are assets. Don’t apologize for who you are. Be proud of your heritage, your values, and your voice. But pride must lead to purpose.
- Get involved in politics—not as spectators, but as participants.
- Champion education, mental health, and universal health care.
- Build coalitions with people of other backgrounds.
- Don’t wait for permission. Movements begin with individuals who dare to speak.
“Every major change in history started with a few people who refused to remain silent.”
Leave a Legacy of Service
I didn’t become a doctor just to heal bodies—I wanted to heal communities. From free clinics to mental health outreach, I’ve seen how small efforts create ripples of change. We don’t need to be perfect to serve—we only need to care.
Whatever path you take—whether you’re an engineer, teacher, artist, or entrepreneur—use your talents for good. Success is not defined by wealth or titles, but by the lives you touch.
Final Thought
We are blessed to live in one of the most diverse and free countries in the world. Let’s not take that for granted. Let’s rise to meet the moment, as our predecessors did during the civil rights movement and countless struggles for justice.
I invite you to be exemplary American citizens—rooted in faith, driven by service, and guided by hope.
The world is waiting. Will you rise?