The journey to success is not easy. To achieve success, one often has to sacrifice, improvise and take risks. But when it comes to women, the adversities to achieve their dream demand much more sacrifices than others. Therefore, dedication and hard work are essential for women to succeed in their respective fields.

Fortunately, some women have the support of their families, and Dr Farah Ghaus, Professor, Department of Anatomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, is one of those fortunate women who, with the support of her family, has attained commendable success. She is the elder daughter of Mr Mohammad Ghaus Khan, a retired Principal of a reputable college, and Mrs Naseem, a retired headmistress of a school.

Farah’s parents have played a pivotal role in shaping her destiny by being her greatest proponents. Without her parent’s support, who gave her the opportunity to pursue education and choose a career of her choice, she would not be where she is today. She received her early education from St. Paul’s School and Kendriya Vidyalaya, where she excelled academically and topped her district, Shahjahanpur, in Class 12th.

With her exceptional academic record, she qualified AMU PMT, where she began her professional journey. She completed her MBBS and MD ANATOMY from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, and went on to serve her alma mater. She is currently working as a professor with an overall teaching experience of over 20 years.

Getting the Right Start

Upon completing her MD Anatomy and Senior Residency in Anatomy at her alma mater, Farah was faced with the daunting task of figuring out where to apply and how to begin her career. She attempted many interviews for positions in the Middle East but to no avail Eventually, a job opening came up in her department, which had numerous applicants vying for a single position. The department was male dominated, making it challenging for her to enter, but she qualified for the position.

Companions During Tough Times

Throughout history, women have had to fight for their rights and work tirelessly to gain equal respect as men. However, there have also been women who have overcome every obstacle life has thrown their way and achieved incredible success.

Naeem, Farah’s spouse, has consistently provided her with support and encouragement during her most challenging moments, even as he manages his business. Her sons, Taha and Tehreem, have provided immense inspiration. Taha is currently pursuing Law from Aligarh Muslim University, while Tehreem is in Grade 10.

Encouraged by their support, Dr Farah initiated her own YouTube channel. In fact, Taha assisted her with video editing. Her younger sibling, Nazish, is a celebrated food expert in the UAE and also happens to be her most discerning critic.

Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles in her journey, Farah was promoted to the position of Professor four years ago. She has learned throughout her life that staying true to oneself is crucial when circumstances are beyond control, and destiny plays a significant role in shaping lives. She is immensely grateful to the Almighty for helping her face everything with a positive attitude and a smile on her face.

Fostering Excellence in Teaching

Being a professor, Dr Farah nurtures the students of The Department of Anatomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, which was established in conjunction with the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College on October 2nd, 1962, with an initial intake of 40 MBBS students for the first batch which has increased to 150 now.

The BDS course at this college commenced during the same period, with an intake of 40 students. The department currently offers an MD (Anatomy) course with a yearly intake of three postgraduate students.

The goals of the Department of Anatomy are centred around fostering excellence in teaching through a learner-centric approach and integration, as well as creating an environment that promotes exceptional research among the faculty, students, and research scholars.

Its objectives are to produce competent Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs) and to provide excellence in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge related to Anatomy. It also strives to promote interdisciplinary research among faculty and students.

Expertise of Dr Farah Ghaus

Dr Farah Ghaus holds a prominent position in the field of Anatomy, serving as a member of the advisory board for ‘Inderbir Singh’s Human Embryology 12th and 13th editions’ and serving as a member of the editorial boards for several reputable journals. She is a life member of various anatomical societies, and her biography has been featured in the Marquis Who’s Who World from 2010-2015. Her success story has also been published in the March 2023 edition of ‘The Lifestyle Magazine.’ Her expertise in foetal anatomy is particularly noteworthy, and she has conducted extensive research in this field, publishing numerous articles in international and national journals. Her book ‘Development of Maxillary Sinus- A Morphological Study in Human Fetuses’ is a testament to her knowledge and expertise in this area. She has chaired and moderated various scientific sessions at different conferences and has served as an editor for the souvenir of the CME held in the Department of Anatomy. She has also reviewed ‘Histology: Text & Atlas, 2/e, By Brijesh Kumar.’

As a contributor to the medical fraternity, she has launched her own YouTube channel, ‘Ghaus’ Anatomy Lectures’ (https://youtube.com/@drfarahghaus), which serves as an excellent learning resource for students. The channel has gained a wide following, and students from all over the world have benefited from her channel.

Fostering Better Atmosphere

Flexibility is crucial in enabling individuals to balance their work and personal life. It is important to recognize the distinction between avoiding responsibility and dealing with genuine problems and providing mentorship and support when necessary.

The freedom to choose one’s own work hours can assist women in becoming better mothers and more effective business leaders. It is essential to bolster their self-assurance and foster a work atmosphere that encourages growth and development. Women who gain influence bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, driving innovation and progress. By promoting gender diversity and gender equality, we can build a more inclusive and dynamic workplace.

Dr Farah Ghaus prioritizes being a better human being first and foremost and then an anatomist who is equally proficient. She strives to be a positive role model for others, a strong team leader, a devoted daughter and wife, and a caring mother and sister. However, one thing is certain, she has a passion for teaching, and she wants to pursue it because it brings her joy and fulfilment.

An Eye on the Future

Dr Farah Ghaus aims:

• To create exceptional healthcare professionals equipped with both strong academic backgrounds and practical expertise to provide outstanding healthcare services to patients.
• Devise innovative teaching tools and methodologies that ensure efficient training delivery.
• Actively engage with other departments, institutions, and disciplines to provide a comprehensive education.
• Promote and participate in basic research and disseminate findings to enhance the understanding of healthcare.
• Regular assessment of both the faculty and curriculum to enhance the quality of the training program.
• Prioritize the optimal and prudent upgrading of the infrastructure and technology to support teaching and research efforts

Dr Farah concludes by saying, “A positive mindset towards societal transformation is crucial, and cultivating a sense of passion and curiosity can aid in this process. To be agents of change, individuals must embody the change they wish to see, starting with their families. By encouraging both their daughters and sons to follow this path, they can enlighten those around them and help instil these values in future generations.”