May  2010 - Ahmad Chaudhry
New York, New York Metro

  So this means he is probably in a computer or technology related field, right?  Wrong.  Ahmad is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  This is a field that goes beyond regular dentistry.  Ahmad graduated summa cum laude with a BS in Biology from East Stroudsburg University (ESU) in Pennsylvania.  He then attended Harvard School of Dental Medicine, earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine with honors.  Another honor was bestowed on him when his classmates chose him as the student speaker at graduation.  This was not the end of his educational road.  He then attended Stony Brook University, earned his medical degree in 2003, and finished his residency in 2006.  He now has a private practice in New York City.
 
During his residency, Ahmad, published several articles including original research on oral facial pain syndromes and a review article on the effects of bisphosphonates, a class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis, on the jaw bones. His original thought process and internal drive aided his time as Regional Qaid of the New York Metro region, during which he organized the 2009 Masroor International Sports Tournament.  This event attracted over 200 participants from five countries. 

Ahmad always needs to learn and always wants to try new things.  This surgeon took a video making course at NYU, which culminated in making a short film written, directed, and edited by him.  "It was a great learning experience, " Ahmad stated, "you had to understand all aspects of producing a short film."   On paper, he edits the bimonthly newsletter of Majlis Sultan ul Qalam, The Holy Pen.  He also serves as Halqa Nigran for Manhattan and leads the Jummah prayers in midtown Manhattan which regularly attract members from six different majalis.
 
Being a surgeon and living in New York City would be the high life for the average man.  But living in the Big Apple does not make Ahmad big-headed.  He helps the needy whenever he can.  Ahmad participates in Donated Dental Services, through which he provides free dental care to elderly and mentally handicapped patients in New York City  In 2007, Ahmad traveled to Ecuador as part of a non-profit group providing free medical care to remote tribes in the Amazon rain forest.  The weeklong trip entailed flying first to the capital of Ecuador, Quito.  From there, the group flew an hour into the heart of the rain forest, landing on a dirt landing strip.  Then, a 45 minute canoe ride took them to their home base.  From there, each morning, the group would take a canoe to a different village, setup a clinic, and see 20-30 patients.  Ahmad has also been active with Humanity First, going to Ghana as part of a surgical mission led by Dr. Fizan Abdullah.  His primary work was video and still photography work documenting the work the group.  He also had the opportunity to help perform some of the surgeries.

This past year, Ahmad had the opportunity of performing the Hajj along with four other members of the New York Metro region.  "It is an experience that lasts with you much longer than just the time you're there.  I think about my time there every day and it reinforces my faith."  Ahmad's continued involvement in MKA activities and continued success in the workforce helps to reinforce his fellow khuddam's faith and is the reason why he is this month's shining star.