Farewell tribute for ‘Titan’ of Dundee School of Medicine: Dr Shihab Khogali retires after 30 years of inspiring teaching

Dr Shihab Khogali has been described as being part of the very fabric of Dundee School of Medicine. In an emotional retirement lecture this week, family, friends, colleagues and students bid farewell and celebrated his profound impact on generations of doctors.

The Shihab Khogali Medal for Excellence in Basic Science was unveiled during the event. This annual award will be given to a student who demonstrates outstanding achievement in the subject, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future cohorts.

For over thirty years, Dr Khogali played a pivotal role in medical education in Dundee, leading key courses and mentoring countless students. As the longest-serving Convenor of the Cardiovascular Course, he was instrumental in shaping the MBChB programme, seamlessly linking physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical skills. 

His dedication extended beyond the lecture theatre, co-leading the BMSc programme and spearheading initiatives that enriched both undergraduate and postgraduate training.

Dr Richard Oparka, MBChB admissions lead and a former student of Dr Khogali, spoke of his far-reaching influence, saying, "You are part of the very fabric of this school, everywhere you look, your influence is here. Even this very lecture theatre we’re sitting in was designed to encourage mutual working in lectures, something you championed. A true pioneer."

Throughout the hour-long celebration organised by Head of MBChB Dr Joanne Sloan, speakers reflected on Dr Khogali’s many achievements. Head of Undergraduate Medicine, Professor Ellie Hothersall-Davies, discussed the recurring themes in conversations about Dr Khogali, emphasising how his name is synonymous with positivity, excellence, and a gold-standard approach to medical education.

Unable to attend in person due to clinical commitments, Senior Clinical Lecturer Dr Sudhir Tauro, sent a video message recalling his first meeting with Dr Khogali in 1997 - in it, Dr Tauro said, "You were one of the very first people I met. Your dedication to cardiology training is nothing short of impressive. You are indeed a legend, and I wish you a long and happy retirement, my friend."

His journey from the University of Khartoum in Sudan to Dundee in the late 1980s saw him excel as a researcher, clinician, and educator, with contributions spanning anatomy, physiology, and cardiology. 

A champion of integrated teaching, his influence is embedded in the very structure of the curriculum. While he may be stepping back from daily teaching, his impact endures - not only in the students he has taught but in the continued excellence of the programme he helped shape.

Student representatives who took the stage, expressed their gratitude for Dr Khogali’s kindness and unwavering support. They highlighted the deep sense of loss felt by the student body but acknowledged the lasting impact of his mentorship. 

So moved by Dr Khogali’s influence, current final year student and trained opera singer, Anna Anandarajah, dedicated a rendition of Climb Ev’ry Mountain. A song made famous by The Sound of Music - an inspirational piece, encouraging people to take every step toward attaining their dreams.

As the event drew to a close, an emotional Dr Khogali rose to a standing ovation from colleagues and students alike. Flanked by his family on either side, he said, "I am humbled by today’s celebration of my career and incredibly grateful for my time in Dundee. This place has been my home for so many years, and while I am retiring, I certainly won’t be a stranger."