Dr. Yashar Taheri-Karamati gave a very serious and inspiring presentation to our members. He spoke to us from Angola (8:30 p.m. his time after a long, difficult day performing surgeries) and recounted his extraordinary experience through his Rotary affiliations that started 15 years ago.
In 2010, Dr. Karamati was selected to be a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. His work in Angola at that time involved studying the connection between gangs, police corruption and youth. What he saw inspired him to become a surgeon. He studied for 7 years in Cuba where he also worked on additional medical projects. A native of Canada, he often partners with Canadian Rotary Clubs through Rotary World Help, a Canadian based offshoot of Rotary International. Dr. Karamati is performing surgeries in the absolute worst conditions -- operating rooms often lack water, gloves and other sanitation, air conditioning and many basic necessities. He was such an inspiration to us. He will continue to go to places where there is a conflict and needs surgeons. You can join his mailing list by contacting him at infodryash.org.