Afzal U Ahmed, MD, Orlando, FL
Dr. Ahmed began his journey in Hyderabad, India, where he completed his education at All Saints High School and Osmania Medical College. After extensive training in various prestigious medical facilities, including the Bronx VA Medical Center and Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York, he has established a distinguished career as an attending radiologist at Princeton Community Hospital in West Virginia since 1982.
With board certifications and numerous accolades, including the New York Roentgen Society Resident Quiz Award, Dr. Ahmed brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our mission. His commitment to healthcare excellence is complemented by a passion for sharing knowledge through publications and scientific exhibits in radiology.
Dr. Afzal Ahmed has led a remarkably successful career in diagnostic radiology, dedicating over four decades to serving the West Virginia community. As an attending radiologist at Princeton Community Hospital since 1982, he has made significant contributions to the field, showcasing a wealth of clinical skills and an exceptional ability to interpret imaging studies.
Dr. Ahmed has also played a pivotal role in establishing charity hospitals in Hyderabad, reflecting his dedication to giving back to the community. He has been actively engaged in volunteer work, supporting numerous charities both locally and nationally. Despite his many accomplishments,
Dr. Ahmed remains a humble and approachable physician, always willing to lend his expertise and support to those in need. His legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of others.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ahmed has not only excelled professionally but has also been a devoted family man, raising his children, who have all pursued successful professional careers. Now retired, he enjoys living close to his family in Orlando, Florida, where he cherishes the time spent
with his loved ones.
His message to young minds:
My journey began in Hyderabad in 1947. We were eight siblings in those good old days, and our parents were keen on getting us into good schools. One of my older sisters passed away about five years ago. My mentor and very good friend, Dr. Asad, has been known to us for a long time. His father, Dr. Mohteda, and my father were friends and colleagues in the field of veterinary medicine.
Constant encouragement from my father helped me gain admission to Osmania Medical College in 1965. As youngsters, we received Islamic teachings from our aunt, whose husband was my mother’s first cousin. Thank God, we had a solid basic Islamic education at home. Luckily, there was a mosque close to our house in Hyderabad, as well as in New Jersey and West Virginia.
Yes, we learn many valuable things and develop good habits in our early formative years. However, we also faced challenges growing up in one way or another. Fortunately, we had a strong Islamic education at home to help guide us. Hard work always pays off sooner or later. When you work hard, Allah is there to help and guide you on the right path.
I faced two major accidents in my life. At about seven years old, I almost lost my eyesight in an experiment my older brother was conducting at home to make oxygen, as he had learned in school. The second major accident was when I was diagnosed with cancer at age 37. By the grace of God, I overcame this with the support of my parents, well-wishers, and help from God.
Faith has always been a part of my life—sometimes weak, sometimes strong—as Allah wishes, depending on one’s actions. We will face setbacks in our lives, some minor and some major, but God is always there, ready to help and remedy our situations if we ask and plead to Him from the bottom of our hearts.
Allah describes the story of the creation of the Prophet Adam. He created him with His hands and breathed life into him. Allah asked him not to approach a particular tree, but Prophet Adam was misled by Shaytan and fell into the trap. The difference was that as soon as Prophet Adam realized he had gone against Allah’s orders, he accepted his mistake and begged for forgiveness, and Allah forgave him and his wife, Eve.
We are created weak and prone to making mistakes, but if we ask Allah for help and promise not to repeat the same errors intentionally, Allah is there to forgive us. I have made many mistakes as a human being, but I always ask for forgiveness and seek Allah’s help. His mercy is far greater than His anger or displeasure. Allah has been very kind and granted me help repeatedly; you need to ask, and He will always oblige, sooner or later. Often, we must have patience, and the results will be evident.
Without a doubt, my professional and personal success is due to the mercy and help of Allah. Over time, you learn that all good things come from Allah. If sometimes your supplications are not answered, He describes in the Qur’an that He has much greater rewards to grant at the opportune time, which only He knows.