Alumni Highlights
Nashwa Najib

Taught by her father about the importance of giving back to the community, Dr Nashwa Najib has shaped her entire medical career around helping those in need.

After graduating, Nashwa began working as an Emergency Medical Officer at Mohan Lal Gautam Women District Hospital, India. In an area fraught with vigilantes and riots, Nashwa was constantly in situations that challenged her decision-making skills and clinical judgement. In one instance, Nashwa recounts delivering a baby on a rickshaw at the front of the hospital. With the patient in no condition to move inside, Nashwa’s quick thinking came into play as she went to work delivering a healthy baby before transferring both mother and child to the appropriate wards for care.

Before commencing her PhD at UNSW Sydney, Nashwa has worked at Al Shifa Multispecialty Hospital and Kasturba Gandhi Hospital in New Delhi, India, where she was the only multilingual doctor. Able to speak five languages, she could communicate and connect with patients' other doctors couldn't, providing them with essential healthcare.

With the second highest number of Covid-19 cases recorded in India, Nashwa’s ability to work under immense pressure was tested. In a six-hour shift during the pandemic, Nashwa would consult with almost 300 patients. When the hospital ran out of ICU beds, Nashwa made the decision to assess patients in vehicles or ambulances upon arrival. Actions like these, and her unwavering dedication to her patients, secured Nashwa with the honorary title of “Corona Warrior” for her medical services to the hospital during the pandemic.

Moved by the considerable healthcare needs in her local community, Nashwa was determined to help in whatever way possible.

“In memory of my father I have started a foundation it is called the Syed Najib Ahmed Foundation and it aims to provide free medical care to the rural population in India,” said Nashwa.

The foundation funds medical camps where patients can be consulted and provided with essential medications free of charge.

Alongside running the foundation, Nashwa also acted as Chief Medical Duty Officer for Aster Volunteers, visiting disadvantaged areas of Delhi where she not only provided primary care but also worked to engage with and spread health awareness to the community.

Nashwa attributes her time at the University to building core leadership, communication, organisation, and public speaking skills.

“That (time) really shaped me, my personality and who I am today. My degree helped to advance my knowledge...I am definitely a proud alumna,” said Nashwa.

Nashwa Najib
Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Syed Najib Ahmed Foundation

Master of Medical Philosophy 2018