Dr. Ahmad Baseer Kaihan is a distinguished nephrologist with over two decades of medical experience. He holds an MD and a PhD from Nagoya University in Japan and has contributed extensively to renal pathology and nephrology research.
Dr. Kaihan’s journey to the U.S. is a testament to both his determination and the life-changing support he received from the Afghan Support Network (ASN). Originally from Afghanistan and pursuing a career in nephrology, Dr. Kaihan’s life took a drastic turn after the collapse of the Kabul government as he was stuck in Japan with no hope of returning back to Afghanistan to serve the people. He and his family fled to Mexico from Japan as he had no future in practicing in the medical field there, facing immense hardship along the way. The journey, filled with danger, particularly during their perilous border crossing into the U.S., was one they had never imagined, marked by uncertainty and the struggle for safety.
After a four-week stay in a shelter in California, Dr. Kaihan chose to relocate to Portland, Oregon, where friends had informed him of ASN’s exceptional support for Afghan refugees. ASN immediately stepped in to facilitate his family’s resettlement. From providing critical housing assistance during their first months in Oregon to offering household furnishings, financial aid and providing six months of rental housing assistance, ASN’s involvement helped the family transition from instability to a sense of security and community.
In addition to the tangible resettlement help, ASN offered Dr. Kaihan the tools and resources needed to restart his medical career. As a seasoned nephrologist with a PhD and numerous publications, Dr. Kaihan aspired to continue serving in the medical field in the United States of America. However, the path to recertification in the U.S. was steep, both financially and procedurally. ASN’s Doctor’s Recertification Program became a lifeline, offering guidance, preparation materials, and financial support to help him navigate the rigorous USMLE exams required to return to medical practice. Through ASN’s support, Dr. Kaihan took his first steps toward regaining his professional standing in the U.S., preparing for the USMLE Step 1 certification, a pivotal moment in his journey toward self-sufficiency.
Dr. Kaihan’s story highlights not only the personal challenges Afghan refugees face but also the profound impact organizations like ASN have in helping them rebuild their lives. His message to other community members are:
Despite the hardships of his past, Dr. Kaihan’s resilience shines through. His ability to remain hopeful and steadfast in his goal of returning to the medical field demonstrates his enduring strength.
