Sahar Asghar (COS ’25) is a fourth year Cell and Molecular Biology student who traveled to Lahore, Pakistan to complete an Honors Directed Study comparing cancer care in the U.S. and Pakistan. Through this experience, she learned firsthand about the importance of cultural competency and equity in global healthcare, which she hopes to continue focusing on in her future career as a trauma surgeon.
“This past year, I had the extraordinary opportunity to complete a clinical observership and research experience at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) in Lahore, Pakistan. My time there opened my eyes to the realities of healthcare in a resource-limited setting and gave me a deeper understanding of the global disparities in cancer care. As part of my research under the guidance of Dr. Diviya Ray through the Honors Program, I explored how cancer care differs between Pakistan and the United States, focusing on access, infrastructure, clinical practices, and patient outcomes. My experience at SKMCH&RC involved shadowing oncologists, attending tumor board meetings, and learning how cancer is managed in a setting that must often do more with less.
One of the most powerful aspects of this experience was witnessing the dedication of Pakistani healthcare professionals who, despite limited resources, work tirelessly to deliver high-quality care. I was particularly inspired by physicians who had trained abroad but chose to return to Pakistan to serve their communities. It reminded me of the kind of physician I hope to become—grounded, globally aware, and committed to equity in healthcare. What surprised me most was how cultural context shaped patient care. In Pakistan, families often take a central role in medical decision-making, sometimes receiving a diagnosis before the patient does. While this differs from the autonomy-focused approach in the U.S., it underscored for me how nuanced and complex “good care” can be when filtered through cultural values.
Through this project, I also examined the research capacity at SKMCH&RC. While the hospital participates in international Phase III clinical trials, Pakistan lacks infrastructure for early-phase trials. This limits innovation and means that most new treatments are tested abroad first. I realized how vital inclusive research is, not just to ensure equity in access to therapies, but also because genetic and cultural differences can impact treatment effectiveness.
While living in Lahore, I had the privilege of meeting some truly inspiring medical students and healthcare professionals at SKMCH&RC—many of whom I’m still in touch with today. They not only welcomed me into their clinical spaces but also into their lives and were instrumental in shaping my positive experience at the hospital. Beyond the hospital walls, Lahore itself left an unforgettable impression on me. The city is a vibrant tapestry of history, art, and tradition, where centuries-old architecture meets the energy of modern life. I had the chance to explore breathtaking historical landmarks, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Sheesh Mahal, the largest mirror palace in the world. Lahore is a great place to admire what remains of the Mughal-era architecture. Lahore is also one of Pakistan’s most dynamic educational centers. The city hums with intellectual curiosity and ambition, and it was incredibly energizing to be surrounded by so many young people pursuing careers in medicine, science, and public service. Their drive and resilience left a lasting impact on me, and I carry those conversations and friendships with deep appreciation.
More than anything, this journey helped solidify my desire to become a trauma surgeon with a global health focus. I came to Lahore to observe and learn, but I left with a profound sense of responsibility: to advocate for equitable healthcare and to use my training to bridge systems that often feel worlds apart. I hope to return to Pakistan in a more hands-on clinical capacity and contribute meaningfully to global health efforts. Northeastern’s Honors Program gave me the platform to pursue this deeply personal and academically enriching experience. I’m grateful for the mentorship of Dr. Ray and the support of a community that encourages students to think and work globally.”
What other activities are you involved in on campus?
WREN, NZONE, DogHouse, Bouvé Ambassadors, Co-Op
What is your favorite Honors memory?
My favorite Honors memory is spending time with my LLC during my first year in International Village.
What events or activities would you recommend to new Honors students?
I would recommend choosing an LLC that really matters to you and taking advantage of the creative research opportunities provided by the Honors Program.