The unstoppable Dr. Muhammad Umer Iqbal

Be brilliant in your work and success will follow you.
These are the words that most resonate with Dr. Muhammad Umer Iqbal.

And he certainly has had his fair share of success! Currently a veterinarian who graduated from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan, he now works as a Technical Field Consultant for Apex Biotical Solution. Prior to this, Dr. Umer has had experience in poultry medicine and working in pharma.

But ultimately his mission in life is straightforward: to become a successful veterinarian with a motto on finding countless shelter homes for homeless animals.

Vet Candy recently had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Muhammad Umer Iqbal. Today, he shares a little about his past, present, and future goals as a leading voice for the animals of his home country and beyond.

Introducing, the brilliant Dr. Muhammad Umer Iqbal!

Connect with People, Create the Future

If he hadn’t gone to school for veterinary medicine, Dr. Iqbal believes he would have become an event planner.

He loves both travelling and meeting new people.

“I’m a traveller,” he says. “I travelled a lot in Pakistan. A trip to the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally – where more than 100 drivers and teams race across the sand – changed the perspective of my life.”

So, when asked what change he would like to see in the world, Dr. Umer Iqbal naturally thought about people and the relationships we form with one another. Even though the planet is more interconnected than ever before, sadly we still have plenty of conflict and division.

He explains:

“It’s a global village now. Everyone is connected via cellphones but still people don’t even know each other. As my favorite author says, we live in a world where something has become nothing and nothing has become something. We can try much better to really connect with people.”

That is why (in addition to hard work and being a good learner) Dr. Umer encourages fellow vet med professionals to always be mindful of their behavior and interactions with others.

At the end of the day, kindness wins!

Dad is a Son’s First Hero

Who was your hero growing up?
For many little boys, it’s their father. Dr. Umer is no different.

“Honestly, my father is my hero,” he tells Vet Candy. “I really admire my father because he is such a hardworking person who struggled for our education against all the odds with such perseverance I can’t even explain.”

His dad instilled the qualities that have helped Dr. Iqbal become the brilliant veterinarian he is today. This includes intellect, patience, and politeness – three qualities severely lacking in much of society. This is one reason why he recommends reading books. Books open our minds, introduce us to alternative ways of thinking, and are a great tool for self-education.

“I love reading and read a lot of books,” he admits. “One of my best hobbies is reading.”

Looking for a good book recommendation?
He suggests “Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence” by Daniel Goleman. Thank you, Dr. Umer for the great tip, plus sharing all your wonderful thoughts!