"On Being Human": Ghazala Alam Reflects on her Journey as a Physician, Poet, and Philanthropist

“I find that connecting to my patients and keeping that connection over the years is a vital part of caring for them. Often a “listening ear” rather than “elaborate testing” is what actually helps to get at the root of an illness.” Today’s woman dreamer, Dr. Ghazala Alam has over 25 years of experience as a physician, and has provided extensive service on several boards and committees including BCBS, MassAFP, and MMS. A truly multifaceted woman, she is also a talented poetess and the author of a book of Urdu poems called “On Being Human”. In her inspiring interview with Women Who Win, Ghazala shares her journey in becoming a physician, how she found her passion for poetry, and how her own experience with hardship inspires her to give back. She writes, “Kiyoun naa sinf e nazuk ko aaj, sinf e ahn banaa dein! – Let us make the disempowered woman, a woman of steel!” We are honored to share her story on Women’s Health Wednesday!

1. You have over 25 years of experience in running a successful primary care practice in the Lowell area, and provided extensive service on several boards and committees including BCBS, MassAFP, and MMS in your career. Tell us your story and what inspired your interests in primary care and the broader healthcare industry?

I often heard my mother say, “all my daughters will someday become physicians,” and we all did. I studied medicine in Pakistan and after a few years in Europe, I emigrated to the US and have been practicing as a primary care physician. I find that connecting to my patients and keeping that connection over the years is a vital part of caring for them. Often a “listening ear” rather than “elaborate testing” is what actually helps to get at the root of an illness. My top priority in serving on various boards and committees is to ensure that the quality of patient care is not jeopardized by cost containment. 

2. You have also written a beautiful book of Urdu poems [also available in English]. How did you find your passion for poetry, and what do you hope others learn from your book? 

It’s life that has made me a poet. The joy and sorrow, my own as well as those of others, propel me to think about the human condition. When I give myself permission to let those thoughts flow freely, they seem to find expression in a melody of words. That’s essentially what makes my poetry! Even though our individual experiences may be different, our innate humanity is universal. I hope my first poetry book, "On Being Human," is able to bring my readers a notch closer to their inner selves and to a recognition of our common humanity.

3. As a community leader and advocate, you have been a catalyst in bringing together initiatives in homelessness and hunger.  Tell us more about your philanthropic involvements and how you hope to empower women through your work. 

I have experienced homelessness in my twenties. Fortunately, I was able to carve out a sheltered path for myself with my biggest strength…. my education. Without education, I might still have been homeless today. For me, philanthropy is not just about writing a check. It’s about giving – being a mentor, sharing knowledge, helping restore self-confidence or rehabilitate economically. If my philanthropic work can help to educate even one woman, I consider it a success. Why? Because this one educated woman will help educate a generation. 

4. Is there an empowered woman in your life that you admire? Please share. 

My mother. She lost both her parents when she was just an infant, got married when she had barely finished high school, and yet managed to get a Masters. She raised five children, making sure each one of them received a university education. Her passion for education went beyond herself and her children. She helped found a girls’ high school in Pakistan. As I mentioned before, there was a time in my life when all my material assets were taken away from me. At that point, my mother reminded me, “people can take everything away from you, but they cannot take away your education.” 

5. As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream? 

I want to continue to help women attain and utilize education. A working, productive mother is a more effective role model than one whose degrees simply adorn the walls. My next big dream is to reach out to younger women and bring my message of empowerment to them through my poetry. Quoting from a recent unpublished poem of mine:

Kiyoun naa sinf e nazuk ko aaj, sinf e ahn banaa dein! – Let us make the disempowered woman, a woman of steel!

Thank you Ghazala for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!