Mumtaz Khan

Mumtaz Khan talks to us about moving to Edinburgh from Pakistan, living in Pollock Halls and the long-lasting influence studying tropical veterinary medicine had on his professional life.

Your time at the University

I entered the University of Edinburgh for postgraduate diploma course in tropical veterinary medicine, through the British Council Commonwealth Scholarship programme in 1984. This was my maiden tour out of home and country. The hospitality and gratitude extended from commonwealth office staff and the teachers made it as comfortable as I had felt at home. The living experience and food service at Pollock halls of residence were marvellous and worth stating. From custodian staff to the Hall Warden, they were all courteous and considerate. The snowy weather of winter was bit gloomy but adventurous and watching swans in the lake and golf players through the back window of Ewing Hall was always fun on Sundays.

The learning experiences at Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine were wonderful and all teaching and support staff competent and knowledgeable in their respective fields and dedicated to delivering knowledge. Of course, it is worth mentioning that I was awarded MSc degree in tropical veterinary medicine during study at the University of Edinburgh. I still claim that I was the first Pakistani obtaining my degree from CTVM. The knowledge and experiences gained at CTVM have had a long-lasting influence in my professional life.

The snowy weather of winter was bit gloomy but adventurous and watching swans in the lake and golf players through the back window of Ewing Hall was always fun on Sundays.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

I was Assistant Professor at the dept. of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Vet. Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, before joining the degree programme at CTVM, University of Edinburgh.

Between 1989 and 1993, I studied at the Iowa State University, USA, for my PhD under the USAID programme. My PhD research in focus was on Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in sheep. After completion of my higher education, I returned to my parent university and started teaching undergraduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Postgraduate veterinary students. I  also introduced courses for higher study related to tropical veterinary medicine and production. I was promoted to associate professor and head of department.

From 1999 to 2010, I joined the government of Abu Dhabi as Veterinary Consultant where I used my knowledge and experiences, particularly of tropical medicine, on camels, cattle, sheep, goats and horses.  I was in charge of health control, vaccination and traceability for animal programmes in addition to my administrative activities.

I retired in 2010 and returned to home country. At the moment, I am working for my university as a subject expert in the department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, teaching veterinary medicine to DVM and postgraduate classes.

Alumni wisdom

My only advice to veterinary students is to utilise your capability and intelligence and improve your knowledge and skills to serve the country and humanity at large.