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Dr. Arif Saleem: Lending a Hand Through Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Arif Saleem, a shoulder and elbow orthopedic surgeon from the United States, has dedicated his career to helping those in need. Born to Pakistani parents, Dr. Saleem felt an innate connection to his roots and a desire to give back to his community. After completing his medical studies in the US and starting his practice in 2004, he performs approximately 300 reconstructive and sports surgeries every year.

It was through Friends of Indus Hospital that Dr. Saleem first learned about the remarkable work being done by Indus Hospital & Health Network in Pakistan. His friend, Junaid Makda, a member of Gift of Disability Alleviation (GODA), invited him to a fundraiser, sparking his interest in the hospital’s mission. He knew he would visit one day to provide his services to underprivileged individuals.

When his daughter wanted to conduct a research fellowship at IHHN in Karachi, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to visit and contribute. Having last set foot in Pakistan in 1983, Dr. Saleem was eager to learn the challenges facing the country’s healthcare system. 

This is his first mission trip to provide medical care in Pakistan. Over two days, Dr. Saleem will perform a series of shoulder and elbow surgeries, and these implants are generously donated by a company in the US that he is affiliated with.

Upon witnessing the exceptional quality of services at Indus Hospital & Health Network, Dr. Saleem was struck by the compassion and care provided to patients. “It’s the same quality found in the US,” he remarked, feeling a sense of familiarity and comfort. The hospital’s infrastructure impressed him, and he was moved by the dedication of the staff.

However, Dr. Saleem was also acutely aware of the stark healthcare disparities in Pakistan. He noted that people in the US often take health insurance for granted, while many in Pakistan lack access to basic medical care. “Places like IHHN are a novelty,” he said, highlighting the immense burden on such institutions to provide care to those in need.

The sheer volume of patients seeking treatment at IHHN underscored the urgent need for more orthopedic surgeons. Dr. Saleem reflected on the disparity between the demand for care and the available resources, stating, “You always hear about the need and disparity, but seeing it in person was a different feeling altogether.”

As he prepared to perform surgeries and interact with patients, Dr. Saleem expressed his eagerness to witness the joy of a healed patient. His mission trip to IHNN is about giving back to a community that needed it dearly. Through his work, Dr. Saleem embodies the spirit of philanthropy and dedication, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.