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In the Wars: A Story of Conflict, Survival and Saving Lives
AS HEARD ON DESERT ISLAND DISCSAS SEEN ON THE CHANGEMAKERS, a Paramount+ docuseries profiling activists fighting for changeA WATERSTONES PAPERBACK OF THE YEAR'A riveting story of loss, exile, and rebirth.' KHALED HOSSEINI, author of The Kite Runner'One of the most incredible life stories you will ever hear.' JAMES O'BRIEN'A remarkable story. I thought this book was brilliant.' NAGA MUNCHETTY__________Born in war-torn Afghanistan, Waheed Arian's first memories are of bombs. His first-hand experience of the power of medicine inspired him to dedicate his life to healing others. But how does a boy with nothing hope to become a doctor?Fleeing the conflict with his family, he spent much of his childhood in refugee camps in Pakistan, living sometimes ten to a room without basic sanitation or access to education. Waheed largely taught himself, from textbooks bought from street-sellers, and learned English from the BBC World Service.Smuggled to the UK at fifteen with just a hundred dollars in his pocket, he found a job in a shop. He was advised to set his sights on becoming a taxi driver. But the boy from Kabul had bigger ambitions.Working through PTSD and anxiety, he studied all hours to achieve his vocation. He was accepted to read medicine at Cambridge University, Imperial College and Harvard, and went on to become a doctor in the NHS, currently in A&E.But he wanted to do more. In 2015 he founded Arian Teleheal, a pioneering global charity that connects doctors in war zones and low-resource countries with their counterparts in the US, UK, Europe and Australia. Together, learning from each other, they save and change lives - the lives of millions of people just like Waheed.For readers of Educated and War Doctor, this is the extraordinary memoir of a boy who recognized the power of education and dreamed about helping others. It is a tale of courage, ambition and unwavering resilience in the face of all the challenges that life can throw in your way.__________WINNER UNESCO's Global Hero AwardWho Cares Wins Best Doctor AwardThe Times's Man of the Year Award
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2021
162 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 29, 2022
interesting autobiography of a Doctor growing up in Afghanistan and coming to the UK and amazing people with his skill and ambition
November 16, 2023
‘Refugees have always been with us, with no country immune to conflict, they will always be. By opening our hearts to those seeking sanctuary and trying to build new lives, and to the millions of others in need in their homelands, we can play our part in healing our world.’
That about sums up the message of Waheed Arian, who grew up in conflict, was displaced with his family, living in refugee camps, suffering from poor nutrition and illness and in a convoluted way pursues an education, graduates in medicine and embarks on a career. More then following a set career path he takes the initiative to launch a telehealth service to aid doctors in Afghanistan.
With great personal sacrifice his service expands across regions and across borders. I just wonder, with his various commitments, when he finds time to sleep. But such is his driven personality, and he is a person who implores people to see refugees, not as a burden to a state, but as potential contributors to society.
That about sums up the message of Waheed Arian, who grew up in conflict, was displaced with his family, living in refugee camps, suffering from poor nutrition and illness and in a convoluted way pursues an education, graduates in medicine and embarks on a career. More then following a set career path he takes the initiative to launch a telehealth service to aid doctors in Afghanistan.
With great personal sacrifice his service expands across regions and across borders. I just wonder, with his various commitments, when he finds time to sleep. But such is his driven personality, and he is a person who implores people to see refugees, not as a burden to a state, but as potential contributors to society.
April 19, 2021
The blurb of this book piqued my interest, I'm so glad I chose to read it.
Waheed Arian is an inspiration to us all, he battles adversity to follow his goal and although he takes a different path from many others, he remains on that path until the end showing us his true values through his ultimate achievement.
Waheed's description of his home country and of his journey forward made me feel I was accompanying him throughout the story, I was eager to discover new twists and turns of the plot throughout.
The book was set out well, it was written well and was a real page-turner. It kept me interested until the end and I was disappointed when it ended, the true indicator of a good book.
Congratulations to the author!
Waheed Arian is an inspiration to us all, he battles adversity to follow his goal and although he takes a different path from many others, he remains on that path until the end showing us his true values through his ultimate achievement.
Waheed's description of his home country and of his journey forward made me feel I was accompanying him throughout the story, I was eager to discover new twists and turns of the plot throughout.
The book was set out well, it was written well and was a real page-turner. It kept me interested until the end and I was disappointed when it ended, the true indicator of a good book.
Congratulations to the author!
July 1, 2021
'In the Wars’ is a moving medical memoir by an NHS doctor and Afghan refugee. It offers a fascinating, if horrific, look into life in Afghanistan in the 1990s and the experience of growing up through civil war. It also paints a stark picture of what it’s like to be a refugee in the UK – the rigidness of the asylum system and the impact this can have. Latter chapters explore Dr Arian’s humanitarian efforts – the charity he founded to improve healthcare in Afghanistan and other war-torn countries, and how his experiences have shaped how he approaches humanitarian aid. Dr Arian writes in a simple yet effective way, making profound observations. A highly recommended read.
The story starts with fifteen-year-old Waheed in Feltham Young Offenders Institution. He’s just arrived off the plane from Afghanistan as a refugee, and immediately been arrested on charges of travelling on a false passport – a charge with up to ten years in prison. Waheed is confused and alone, not understand why he’s been arrested when he believes himself a legitimate refugee. His cellmate is there on charges of theft – Waheed doesn’t understand why anyone would steal when they have the chance to legitimately work and earn money. It sets the tone for the rest of the memoir – a story with moments of positivity and hope, but also one that shows the harsh reality of growing up in a warzone and navigating a deliberately hostile immigration system.
We then go back in time to Waheed’s childhood. Born in Kabul, his early life was relatively peaceful, albeit with some strange quirks he never thought to question – not being allowed to play outside, only his mum and eldest sister being allowed to answer the door. The eldest son, he was granted privileges not afforded to his sisters. However, life changed quickly – his father was conscripted into the military, but wanting to remain neutral deserted, leaving the family in a precarious social and financial situation. As conflict escalated, the family fled to their first refugee camp in Pakistan, with the rest of his childhood split between spells in Pakistan and spells returning to Afghanistan in the hope things would be better. The family was regularly separated, and Waheed was forced to grow up far earlier than he should have. There was a constant fear of death, and not just from conflict – he nearly died of tuberculosis in a Pakistani refugee camp aged just five due to a shortage of medicines. It was that experience that cemented in Waheed’s mind that he was going to be a doctor.
These early passages are shocking. Britain is taught woefully little about modern history, and the precise origins of the conflict in Afghanistan were new to me. Dr Arian covers them almost matter-of-factly – because to him, there was no other way of living. This makes them more profound than any dramatisation. There are happier moments – the birth of siblings, trips to family in the Afghan countryside – but these are mere blips in an otherwise bleak canvas. Its difficult to imagine how anyone survived – harder still to think that there are millions living like this today.
Barely a teenager, Waheed decides to enrol to study medicine at the Islamic University in a Pakistani refugee camp. This is not an accredited university, but the only way he can see of achieving his dream of becoming a doctor. However, his family choose to return to Afghanistan – leaving him, at thirteen, living a totally independent life. Waheed is a child surrounded by adults, and reading about this time is heartbreaking. The mental toll of separation is almost inconceivable. However, his joy in his studies is clearly apparent. There’s an interesting dichotomy between his joy of being so close to his dream, and the sadness of everything he’s giving up – plus the knowledge that, as fulfilling as the course is, it won’t actually give a qualification recognised anywhere outside the refugee camp.
In these chapters, Waheed also gives the greatest insight into the political situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and how the rise of various militant factions affects day-to-day life. Again, it’s a fascinating look at a piece of modern history that is rarely contextualised in Western media. Waheed’s drive and determination is admirable, and its impossible not to be affected by the plight of a thirteen-year-old separated from his family in search of a better life.
It’s around this time that Waheed, naturally, starts to think about seeking asylum elsewhere to pursue his dreams. These passages are difficult to read in a different way. Waheed is hugely vulnerable to exploitation, and the way those around him use his plight is horrendous. It’s one thing knowing that the UK – and many other countries’ – immigration departments are designed to put off asylum seekers, another entirely to read first hand how confusing and traumatic the process is. In many ways, Waheed is fortunate – he does make it to the UK, and whilst he’s initially treated like a criminal he eventually succeeds in claiming asylum for both himself and his younger brother. Reading this section, it’s clear Waheed’s success is in a huge part down to both luck and his own intelligence. It’s clear that many others like Waheed will have had stories ending a different way.
Asylum seekers are not allowed to work. They receive housing benefit, but many landlords won’t accept tenants on housing benefit, and the benefits available don’t always cover the cost of living. Young asylum seekers like Waheed can access education, but are not given the knowledge of what qualifications will be useful to them – they must figure this out by themselves. Like many asylum seekers, Waheed works multiple jobs illegally to scrape together enough money to survive and build a life for himself. Once again, his sheer tenacity shines through. It’s difficult to imagine just how hard this period was for him.
Against all the odds, Waheed makes it to medical school – initially Cambridge, then transferring to Imperial for the clinical years, a path that was common then. Here, his struggles take on a different note. A little older, and far less affluent, than his course mates, Waheed struggles to make genuine connections. His cultural background leaves him unsure how to interact with them – women especially. He also, for the first time in his life, starts to struggle academically. Elements of this section are harder for Westerners to relate to – his search for a wife, for example – but it’s interesting seeing why this is so important to Waheed and his family, and how the intersection of his Afghani and Western upbringing affects how he approaches things. The guilt he feels about betraying his roots is palpable and very moving.
The final part of the tale follows Dr Arian as he navigates medical training and sets up his charity, Arian Teleheal. It’s lovely seeing how much joy he gets from his dream job and what being a doctor means to him. After so much suffering, it’s also wonderful to see him settled and happy with a family of his own. The guilt is still there – most of his family is still in Afghanistan or Pakistan, and he worries about leaving them behind – but there’s also the awareness that he’s helped them far more by taking the risk and leaving than he would have by staying.
The sections on the charity are interesting, but after a time become a bit repetitive. Arian Teleheal is a wonderful organisation, allowing doctors in countries like Afghanistan and Syria to access the knowledge of doctors practising in the Western world. Its expansion and achievements are incredible, but unfortunately the end of the memoir turns into a sort of list of them, losing some of the emotional impact of the rest of Waheed’s story. Teleheal appears to be the only reason he’s released a memoir – in the hope that his story will drive further investment and achievements for the charity – which is admirable. I hope it succeeds. It’s a shame, therefore, that the Teleheal section is the one with the least poignancy and resonance to the reader.
Overall, ‘In the Wars’ is a powerful and moving story about living through conflict, the refugee experience, and one man’s determination to give back. Dr Arian is clearly an incredible person and I hope his charitable endeavours have the success they deserve. Recommended for those who want to learn more about an important piece of modern history and those just looking for a powerful, moving read.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing an eARC – this in no way affects the content of this review*
The story starts with fifteen-year-old Waheed in Feltham Young Offenders Institution. He’s just arrived off the plane from Afghanistan as a refugee, and immediately been arrested on charges of travelling on a false passport – a charge with up to ten years in prison. Waheed is confused and alone, not understand why he’s been arrested when he believes himself a legitimate refugee. His cellmate is there on charges of theft – Waheed doesn’t understand why anyone would steal when they have the chance to legitimately work and earn money. It sets the tone for the rest of the memoir – a story with moments of positivity and hope, but also one that shows the harsh reality of growing up in a warzone and navigating a deliberately hostile immigration system.
We then go back in time to Waheed’s childhood. Born in Kabul, his early life was relatively peaceful, albeit with some strange quirks he never thought to question – not being allowed to play outside, only his mum and eldest sister being allowed to answer the door. The eldest son, he was granted privileges not afforded to his sisters. However, life changed quickly – his father was conscripted into the military, but wanting to remain neutral deserted, leaving the family in a precarious social and financial situation. As conflict escalated, the family fled to their first refugee camp in Pakistan, with the rest of his childhood split between spells in Pakistan and spells returning to Afghanistan in the hope things would be better. The family was regularly separated, and Waheed was forced to grow up far earlier than he should have. There was a constant fear of death, and not just from conflict – he nearly died of tuberculosis in a Pakistani refugee camp aged just five due to a shortage of medicines. It was that experience that cemented in Waheed’s mind that he was going to be a doctor.
These early passages are shocking. Britain is taught woefully little about modern history, and the precise origins of the conflict in Afghanistan were new to me. Dr Arian covers them almost matter-of-factly – because to him, there was no other way of living. This makes them more profound than any dramatisation. There are happier moments – the birth of siblings, trips to family in the Afghan countryside – but these are mere blips in an otherwise bleak canvas. Its difficult to imagine how anyone survived – harder still to think that there are millions living like this today.
Barely a teenager, Waheed decides to enrol to study medicine at the Islamic University in a Pakistani refugee camp. This is not an accredited university, but the only way he can see of achieving his dream of becoming a doctor. However, his family choose to return to Afghanistan – leaving him, at thirteen, living a totally independent life. Waheed is a child surrounded by adults, and reading about this time is heartbreaking. The mental toll of separation is almost inconceivable. However, his joy in his studies is clearly apparent. There’s an interesting dichotomy between his joy of being so close to his dream, and the sadness of everything he’s giving up – plus the knowledge that, as fulfilling as the course is, it won’t actually give a qualification recognised anywhere outside the refugee camp.
In these chapters, Waheed also gives the greatest insight into the political situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and how the rise of various militant factions affects day-to-day life. Again, it’s a fascinating look at a piece of modern history that is rarely contextualised in Western media. Waheed’s drive and determination is admirable, and its impossible not to be affected by the plight of a thirteen-year-old separated from his family in search of a better life.
It’s around this time that Waheed, naturally, starts to think about seeking asylum elsewhere to pursue his dreams. These passages are difficult to read in a different way. Waheed is hugely vulnerable to exploitation, and the way those around him use his plight is horrendous. It’s one thing knowing that the UK – and many other countries’ – immigration departments are designed to put off asylum seekers, another entirely to read first hand how confusing and traumatic the process is. In many ways, Waheed is fortunate – he does make it to the UK, and whilst he’s initially treated like a criminal he eventually succeeds in claiming asylum for both himself and his younger brother. Reading this section, it’s clear Waheed’s success is in a huge part down to both luck and his own intelligence. It’s clear that many others like Waheed will have had stories ending a different way.
Asylum seekers are not allowed to work. They receive housing benefit, but many landlords won’t accept tenants on housing benefit, and the benefits available don’t always cover the cost of living. Young asylum seekers like Waheed can access education, but are not given the knowledge of what qualifications will be useful to them – they must figure this out by themselves. Like many asylum seekers, Waheed works multiple jobs illegally to scrape together enough money to survive and build a life for himself. Once again, his sheer tenacity shines through. It’s difficult to imagine just how hard this period was for him.
Against all the odds, Waheed makes it to medical school – initially Cambridge, then transferring to Imperial for the clinical years, a path that was common then. Here, his struggles take on a different note. A little older, and far less affluent, than his course mates, Waheed struggles to make genuine connections. His cultural background leaves him unsure how to interact with them – women especially. He also, for the first time in his life, starts to struggle academically. Elements of this section are harder for Westerners to relate to – his search for a wife, for example – but it’s interesting seeing why this is so important to Waheed and his family, and how the intersection of his Afghani and Western upbringing affects how he approaches things. The guilt he feels about betraying his roots is palpable and very moving.
The final part of the tale follows Dr Arian as he navigates medical training and sets up his charity, Arian Teleheal. It’s lovely seeing how much joy he gets from his dream job and what being a doctor means to him. After so much suffering, it’s also wonderful to see him settled and happy with a family of his own. The guilt is still there – most of his family is still in Afghanistan or Pakistan, and he worries about leaving them behind – but there’s also the awareness that he’s helped them far more by taking the risk and leaving than he would have by staying.
The sections on the charity are interesting, but after a time become a bit repetitive. Arian Teleheal is a wonderful organisation, allowing doctors in countries like Afghanistan and Syria to access the knowledge of doctors practising in the Western world. Its expansion and achievements are incredible, but unfortunately the end of the memoir turns into a sort of list of them, losing some of the emotional impact of the rest of Waheed’s story. Teleheal appears to be the only reason he’s released a memoir – in the hope that his story will drive further investment and achievements for the charity – which is admirable. I hope it succeeds. It’s a shame, therefore, that the Teleheal section is the one with the least poignancy and resonance to the reader.
Overall, ‘In the Wars’ is a powerful and moving story about living through conflict, the refugee experience, and one man’s determination to give back. Dr Arian is clearly an incredible person and I hope his charitable endeavours have the success they deserve. Recommended for those who want to learn more about an important piece of modern history and those just looking for a powerful, moving read.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing an eARC – this in no way affects the content of this review*
November 12, 2023
This is a great book. A personal memoir of Dr Waheed Arian who was born in Kabul and spent his childhood between Kabul and refugee camps in Pakistan before coming to the UK aged 15. He was determined to become a doctor and tells the story of his life both in Afghanistan and in the UK in a moving and insightful way. He writes eloquently about the effects of his early life on his mental health and how he struggled to deal with PTSD and guilt, despite achieving his dream to become a doctor. He also talks about the charity he set up to help doctors in Afghanistan and other war zones which sounds amazing. His affection and connection to his large family in Afganistan is evident and very moving and his insights into what it’s like to be a refugee very informative. Definitely recommended!
April 4, 2022
Loved this book. Inspirational and remarkable story
February 23, 2022
Stunning memoir! Definitely one of my new favourites. I was tearing up at multiple points and found Waheed’s story Incredibly inspiring.
November 26, 2021
If Angela Duckworth's book 'Grit' is a manual then Dr Waheed Arian's story is the theory-in-action.
When we talk about a sense of vocation and duty, and medicine being an honourable profession, we're talking about doctors like Waheed Arian.
Waheed's story illustrates what every successful and observant person who isn't an arrogant $h!T knows so well: Nobody, nobody, absolutely nobody achieves anything all alone.
Waheed's intelligence, determination and clear rational thinking are exceptional. Yet he couldn't have succeeded if there weren't others to give support along the way. Someone gave little Waheed his first book about medicine while he was fighting to recover from TB, caught in the conditions of a refugee camp which make infectious disease an added threat. Someone consented to support his determination to learn English as a child -even when the actual purpose of the organisation was to teach adults English. A friend got him a lawyer to represent him when he found himself in a high security prison as a teenager, having taken some bad advice from fellow refugees on a plane - and committed the offence of burning his dodgy passport with the plane still airborne. The years of hustling back in Afghanistan to help his family earn money, made him a skilled - though illegal - salesman at a London shop. Somebody had given him a break and their most valued employee turned out to be an ambitious teenager with an impressive work ethic, employed before he even had 'the right to work'. Makes you think, eh? Someone recognised that despite being one of their most impressive students at Cambridge, he'd begun to struggle - and offered support.
And then there was luck. He could have died from TB, he narrowly avoided being blasted to pieces by bombs or beat-up by Taliban he bravely argued with.
Dr Waheed Arian survived, persevered, thrived and he keeps fighting daily - not for himself but for others, to alleviate suffering with the tools at hand, to support doctors in doing what can be done under gruelling circumstances, through his international network of doctors helping doctors.
He doesn't try to be political in this book. He's left that for others. But he does tell us the facts, and we see how the many wars Afghanistan has been tied up in impacted his life and that of his family.
A timely read and an inspiring story. It's a book that belongs in every library and every school.
When we talk about a sense of vocation and duty, and medicine being an honourable profession, we're talking about doctors like Waheed Arian.
Waheed's story illustrates what every successful and observant person who isn't an arrogant $h!T knows so well: Nobody, nobody, absolutely nobody achieves anything all alone.
Waheed's intelligence, determination and clear rational thinking are exceptional. Yet he couldn't have succeeded if there weren't others to give support along the way. Someone gave little Waheed his first book about medicine while he was fighting to recover from TB, caught in the conditions of a refugee camp which make infectious disease an added threat. Someone consented to support his determination to learn English as a child -even when the actual purpose of the organisation was to teach adults English. A friend got him a lawyer to represent him when he found himself in a high security prison as a teenager, having taken some bad advice from fellow refugees on a plane - and committed the offence of burning his dodgy passport with the plane still airborne. The years of hustling back in Afghanistan to help his family earn money, made him a skilled - though illegal - salesman at a London shop. Somebody had given him a break and their most valued employee turned out to be an ambitious teenager with an impressive work ethic, employed before he even had 'the right to work'. Makes you think, eh? Someone recognised that despite being one of their most impressive students at Cambridge, he'd begun to struggle - and offered support.
And then there was luck. He could have died from TB, he narrowly avoided being blasted to pieces by bombs or beat-up by Taliban he bravely argued with.
Dr Waheed Arian survived, persevered, thrived and he keeps fighting daily - not for himself but for others, to alleviate suffering with the tools at hand, to support doctors in doing what can be done under gruelling circumstances, through his international network of doctors helping doctors.
He doesn't try to be political in this book. He's left that for others. But he does tell us the facts, and we see how the many wars Afghanistan has been tied up in impacted his life and that of his family.
A timely read and an inspiring story. It's a book that belongs in every library and every school.
July 25, 2021
‘In the Wars’ covers a vast landscape from Dr Arian’s time in war-torn Afghanistan to NHS A&E doctor, role model and refugee advocate. It is remarkable how much life has changed for Dr Arian. The book is full of lessons and incredible stories and is an education in itself.
Among the many lessons the book has to offer, Dr Arian shows us through his life’s experiences and reflections that challenges and harsh circumstances are not something to hide and be ashamed of. They are instead badges of honour, a testament of will and evidence of bravery. It is clear when reading this book that Dr Arian is a brave man.
The book gives centre stage to the people in challenging circumstances around the world and how we have a moral duty to be kind to them. The book is therefore both a message of hope and a call to action and makes clear that there is a lot more that needs to be done and that we need to work together to do this. As he says himself: 'together we can move mountains'.
Dr Arian's story has had a deep impact on me and I think it is because not only is it the truth, it is the truth told bravely. It is heartwarming to see Dr Arian thrive and achieve so much. It is clear however that he does not consider his work finished and there is much more that he is yet to do. Given how much I enjoyed this book, I hope that out of the million things he is on track to do, writing another book will also be on the list. Dr Arian if you are reading this, thank you for your service and god speed.
Among the many lessons the book has to offer, Dr Arian shows us through his life’s experiences and reflections that challenges and harsh circumstances are not something to hide and be ashamed of. They are instead badges of honour, a testament of will and evidence of bravery. It is clear when reading this book that Dr Arian is a brave man.
The book gives centre stage to the people in challenging circumstances around the world and how we have a moral duty to be kind to them. The book is therefore both a message of hope and a call to action and makes clear that there is a lot more that needs to be done and that we need to work together to do this. As he says himself: 'together we can move mountains'.
Dr Arian's story has had a deep impact on me and I think it is because not only is it the truth, it is the truth told bravely. It is heartwarming to see Dr Arian thrive and achieve so much. It is clear however that he does not consider his work finished and there is much more that he is yet to do. Given how much I enjoyed this book, I hope that out of the million things he is on track to do, writing another book will also be on the list. Dr Arian if you are reading this, thank you for your service and god speed.
February 17, 2022
An account of one mans determination to pay back the medics who saved his life by grabbing every opportunity available in order to achieve it.
We take so much for granted in the West, our warm comfortable homes ,full bellies, safe towns ,and extensive health service.When all of this is taken away from us we have no alternative but to seek refuge elsewhere.
Waheed succeeded and then went on to develop practical medical support systems through his common sense approach.This is now evolving and customising its self worldwide through like minded volunteer medical specialists connecting with each other when needed.
Waheed’s comment I believe is so true about big organisations and budgets not maximising their resources (such as international conferences)and do not provide any real practical or on going solutions ,his teleheal does.
Now with the arrival of Covid19 is another area in which teleheal has been able to provide up to date support to other countries which are far less informed in the treatment of this rapidly evolving virus.
He quite rightly is now looking at ways to address the increasing amount of mental health issues this had caused along with PTSD amongst medical staff and those in war torn countries.
This is a man who proves in order for mankind to thrive in all areas relationship building across nations is our only way forward.
Thankyou Waheed
We take so much for granted in the West, our warm comfortable homes ,full bellies, safe towns ,and extensive health service.When all of this is taken away from us we have no alternative but to seek refuge elsewhere.
Waheed succeeded and then went on to develop practical medical support systems through his common sense approach.This is now evolving and customising its self worldwide through like minded volunteer medical specialists connecting with each other when needed.
Waheed’s comment I believe is so true about big organisations and budgets not maximising their resources (such as international conferences)and do not provide any real practical or on going solutions ,his teleheal does.
Now with the arrival of Covid19 is another area in which teleheal has been able to provide up to date support to other countries which are far less informed in the treatment of this rapidly evolving virus.
He quite rightly is now looking at ways to address the increasing amount of mental health issues this had caused along with PTSD amongst medical staff and those in war torn countries.
This is a man who proves in order for mankind to thrive in all areas relationship building across nations is our only way forward.
Thankyou Waheed
November 27, 2021
Arian’s Journey
The journey of Arian Waheed: A story of improbable circumstance, struggle, and a singular devotion to a purpose. Using a smuggler, equipped with false papers enabled Waheed to pursue his destiny. While maintaining a devotion to family and dogged pursuit of education, Waheed slowly moved on toward his goals. In the U.K. at 12 years old, he was determined to complete his education towards medical education. All the while he kept the poor in mind, who suffer from the lack of quality medical care, especially the Afghan people.
The very fact that he achieved so much is testimony to his devotion to the poor everywhere who suffer from poor medical resources.
In the Jewish tradition, from the Talmud, in a loose quotation: “Whoever saves a life, saves the entire world”
Dr. Arian Waheed lives his dream, and we are enriched by it.
The journey of Arian Waheed: A story of improbable circumstance, struggle, and a singular devotion to a purpose. Using a smuggler, equipped with false papers enabled Waheed to pursue his destiny. While maintaining a devotion to family and dogged pursuit of education, Waheed slowly moved on toward his goals. In the U.K. at 12 years old, he was determined to complete his education towards medical education. All the while he kept the poor in mind, who suffer from the lack of quality medical care, especially the Afghan people.
The very fact that he achieved so much is testimony to his devotion to the poor everywhere who suffer from poor medical resources.
In the Jewish tradition, from the Talmud, in a loose quotation: “Whoever saves a life, saves the entire world”
Dr. Arian Waheed lives his dream, and we are enriched by it.
December 22, 2021
I listened to this book on Audible. It is a powerful story of overcoming the odds, which starts with Waheed Arian’s traumatic childhood growing up during conflict in Afghanistan and ends with him recounting working in A&E during the Covid-19 pandemic. I was struck by Arian’s determination to study medicine, which led to him living alone in Pakistan as a teenager pretending he was much older than he was and eventually to coming to England as a refugee. I really enjoyed the latter part of the book, which describes the charity that Arian founded, which is based on using accessible accessible technology (phones, social media, video calling) to connect doctors in Afghanistan to a global network of doctors that can advise and educate. Throughout the book I was inspired by Arian’s resilience and honesty.
July 29, 2021
In the Wars is a memoir about resilience and determination, it is Dr. Arian's account of how he went from being a refugee from war-torn Afghanistan to working as a doctor in the NHS (All the while dealing with his own battles of anxiety and PTSD).
In the Wars is about daring to dream when the world is against you.
If you like memoirs like War Doctor and like learning about experiences very different from your own, In the Wars is the book for you.
Dr. Arians story is remarkable, his resilience and brilliance is so inspiring. In times like today when there is so much hate against refugees stories like Dr. Arian’s account are SO important and needed.
I also think this book would make a wonderful movie and I can’t wait to watch it when it becomes one!
In the Wars is about daring to dream when the world is against you.
If you like memoirs like War Doctor and like learning about experiences very different from your own, In the Wars is the book for you.
Dr. Arians story is remarkable, his resilience and brilliance is so inspiring. In times like today when there is so much hate against refugees stories like Dr. Arian’s account are SO important and needed.
I also think this book would make a wonderful movie and I can’t wait to watch it when it becomes one!
January 19, 2022
Wow. This is one amazing story. Afghani boy who suffered through the Soviet-Afghan war, then the civil war, then the Taliban, living in Pakistan as a refugee at least twice, getting and nearly dying from TB, then finally going to Britain as a refugee, working hard, becoming a doctor, and coming up with and inventing a way to use social media for telehealth to support doctors in less resourced countries. If I didn't read about it I'm not sure I'd believe it happened. This is well written, unbelievably inspirational, and just such a story of grit and determination and also empathy and kindness. I wish I knew what happened to the telehealth project and to the author's family in Afghanistan after the fall.
Highly, highly recommended.
Highly, highly recommended.
May 18, 2022
A humanitian leader
This book has two parts both equally gripping. It tells of the war torn childhood that was the experience of Afghans and most sadly still is. This is also true for any refugee. Through Waheed's dogged determination, application, sheer hard work coupled with inspiration and innovation, he has developed the most important healthcare worldwide network of professionals through the power of volunteering. This book records practical wisdom with honesty and compassion. Wonderful.
This book has two parts both equally gripping. It tells of the war torn childhood that was the experience of Afghans and most sadly still is. This is also true for any refugee. Through Waheed's dogged determination, application, sheer hard work coupled with inspiration and innovation, he has developed the most important healthcare worldwide network of professionals through the power of volunteering. This book records practical wisdom with honesty and compassion. Wonderful.
March 20, 2023
Picked up as a Waterstones 'buy one, get one half-price, mainly because I knew nothing about Afghanistan and wanted to remedy that, I was gifted with an astonishing tale of a first-born son, aware of his responsibility to his family, set himself the goal of becoming a doctor and the determination - bravery and courage to bring not only that about, but step by step to create the global telemedicine charity ArianTeleheal which enables life-saving medical consultations to take place, using smartphone technology, across the world. Astonishing, heart-warming and humbling.
October 18, 2021
I have read a lot of books about medicine and the refugee crisis and this was one of the best in both categories. Waheed’s life story is one of sheer determination to succeed no matter the obstacles in your way. The book gives a poignant insight into growing up in conflict and being a refugee in the U.K. Then it charts his journey to becoming a doctor and a world leader in tele-medicine. This book reminds us that everyone deserves to dream and to strive towards that dream.
June 8, 2022
Determination and a fighting spirit
His story is surely an inspiration to us all. His dream and determination to achieve his dream despite all the hardship and horror of wars was something very rare. I was also a refugee like him escaping from a war torn country, but my escape wasn't as harrowing as he was! He is such a blessing to people and we need more people like him that giving back is truly a highest calling!
His story is surely an inspiration to us all. His dream and determination to achieve his dream despite all the hardship and horror of wars was something very rare. I was also a refugee like him escaping from a war torn country, but my escape wasn't as harrowing as he was! He is such a blessing to people and we need more people like him that giving back is truly a highest calling!
August 19, 2022
This was an interesting memoir of Dr Waheed Arian’s experiences of growing up in war torn Afghanistan. I think we all think we know the atrocities these poor people went through, but truly, we don’t know half of it, even to this day. He’s gone to prove that all you need is a dream and the stamina and drive to see it through. I enjoyed listening to this, more so because Dr Arian narrates himself - it makes all the difference.
July 26, 2025
A ‘must read’ story
An amazing story, an amazing man, an amazing family. Waheed’s story is moving, inspirational, thought provoking and importantly, very readable. I’d like to think that it is on the ‘must read’ list for every MP.
Thank you Storyhouse for allowing the opportunity to hear this incredible man speak. And thank you to Waheed and his family for their sacrifice and tenacity.
An amazing story, an amazing man, an amazing family. Waheed’s story is moving, inspirational, thought provoking and importantly, very readable. I’d like to think that it is on the ‘must read’ list for every MP.
Thank you Storyhouse for allowing the opportunity to hear this incredible man speak. And thank you to Waheed and his family for their sacrifice and tenacity.
August 2, 2025
This review is from perspective of medicine aspirant.
This book provided me the hope that no matter where u come from as far as you don’t give up and utilise all the opportunities available you will win in an unknown but spectacular way.
Anybody doing A levels for medicine a must read, will let you know that your struggles will pay off and actually might be less than other people especially how Dr Waheed became a doctor in end after all those hardships.
This book provided me the hope that no matter where u come from as far as you don’t give up and utilise all the opportunities available you will win in an unknown but spectacular way.
Anybody doing A levels for medicine a must read, will let you know that your struggles will pay off and actually might be less than other people especially how Dr Waheed became a doctor in end after all those hardships.
October 25, 2021
Excellent history of the wars in Afghanistan
I was captivated by this well written book. The author details his childhood history of horror as a victim of war. His parents are devoted and suffer along with him and his siblings. His accomplishments are awe inspiring.
I gave only four stars: for me the book bogged down toward the end
I was captivated by this well written book. The author details his childhood history of horror as a victim of war. His parents are devoted and suffer along with him and his siblings. His accomplishments are awe inspiring.
I gave only four stars: for me the book bogged down toward the end
July 19, 2023
"In the Wars" by Waheed Arian is a truly inspiring book
As an Afghan myself I felt a profound connection to every line within its pages the book is exceptionally well written, captivating my interest until the very end
I am grateful for the inspiration it provided, and I am excited to share copies with all my siblings.
The journey is what really matters and thank you for inspiring me.
As an Afghan myself I felt a profound connection to every line within its pages the book is exceptionally well written, captivating my interest until the very end
I am grateful for the inspiration it provided, and I am excited to share copies with all my siblings.
The journey is what really matters and thank you for inspiring me.
August 29, 2024
The first and second parts of the book accounting for Dr Arian's upbringing in war-torn Afghanistan and his incredible journey to becoming a doctor in the UK were very interesting and added color to my vague recollections of news stories outlining that troubled time when I was a child.
The last part about the medical nonprofit he founded I largely skimmed as I'm not a member of the medical community. But I still found a lot of value in the book so 5 stars.
The last part about the medical nonprofit he founded I largely skimmed as I'm not a member of the medical community. But I still found a lot of value in the book so 5 stars.
July 13, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book especially regarding his childhood and journey to the UK and then into medical school. Truly an amazing story. I am inspired by his determination and his hard work. The last couple of chapters about Teleheals work could have been condensed I think. Dr Arian is an exceptional person with a remarkable story. His drive to give back and make an impact is truly inspiring.
December 7, 2025
FAWCO Bookclub, Health Team’s pick, iBooks. Afghan refugee’s story of horrible years in Afghanistan and Pakistan, refugee in England, schooling (including Trinity Hall), medical training, setting up telehealth charity for Afghanistan. Storytelling of childhood was interesting, very resilient and driven man. Last several chapters not so interesting - mainly a list of accolades.
November 18, 2021
Amazing story!
What Wahid was able to do with his dream through determination, persistence and ability to connect the dots in his creation of a global community of dedicated medical professionals is incredibly powerful. He deserves my highest admiration.
What Wahid was able to do with his dream through determination, persistence and ability to connect the dots in his creation of a global community of dedicated medical professionals is incredibly powerful. He deserves my highest admiration.
May 22, 2022
What an amazing guy. Such a challenging childhood and then massive determination and dedication to achieve and to give back many times over. Anyone who is anti immigration and anti refugees should read this book and reassess their bias! A very interesting and moving read.
April 19, 2023
An important story told with honesty.
The story of love, family, belief in oneself and the support of others. Waheed charts his life and hurdles to achieve his goal of becoming a doctor but also to help others around the world through his chsrity.
The story of love, family, belief in oneself and the support of others. Waheed charts his life and hurdles to achieve his goal of becoming a doctor but also to help others around the world through his chsrity.
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