Vice Chancellor, Rawalpindi Medical University
Distinguished Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist
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Four decades of transformative leadership in medical education and healthcare
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Umar stands as a pioneering figure in Pakistan's medical education landscape. As the inaugural Rawalian Principal of Rawalpindi Medical College and the founding Vice Chancellor of Rawalpindi Medical University, he has dedicated his career to advancing medical education and healthcare delivery.
"In a testament to dedication and national commitment, Prof. Umar has served as Vice Chancellor since 2017 without accepting any pay, allowances, privileges, or official car from the Government of Punjab and HEC β a service entirely voluntary and exemplifying true leadership."
His remarkable journey began as a distinguished graduate of the second batch of Rawalpindi Medical College in 1981, where he graduated with distinction and received multiple academic awards. Throughout his career, Dr. Umar achieved numerous milestones, becoming the first Rawalian FCPS, Assistant Professor, Professor, and ultimately Principal at RMC.
Under his visionary leadership, Rawalpindi Medical University achieved remarkable recognition, being ranked as the top Medical University in Pakistan by Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings in 2021 and 2023. The undergraduate MBBS program rose from 6th to 1st position in merit rankings within just three years.
Celebrating excellence in medical service and leadership
Conferred by President Asif Ali Zardari for distinguished medical services and outstanding contributions to healthcare.
Awarded by President Mamnoon Hussain for exceptional contributions to patient care and leadership in liver and gastrointestinal diseases.
Recognized for extraordinary performance as Vice Chancellor during challenging times.
Best Services Governor Award by the American College of Gastroenterology.
Awarded for outstanding professional and educational services in advancing medical education.
Presented by Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology for groundbreaking research in Hepatology.
Four decades of progressive leadership and clinical excellence
Founding VC transforming RMU into Pakistan's top-ranked medical university. Leading innovative curriculum reforms, research initiatives, and international collaborations.
First Rawalian Principal, revolutionizing medical education through curriculum innovation and infrastructure development across three teaching hospitals.
Established first GI & Liver Clinic, pioneered advanced endoscopic procedures including ERCP, EUS, and RFA in Northern Pakistan.
Advanced therapeutic endoscopy services, conducted pioneering research on Hepatitis B and C, established Rawalian Research Forum.
First Rawalian to achieve Assistant Professor position, developed expertise in gastroenterology and hepatology.
Advanced clinical training and patient care responsibilities.
Residency training in internal medicine with focus on gastroenterology.
Taught physiology to undergraduate medical students.
Internship training in internal medicine.
Best Graduate among male students, First Position in 2nd and 3rd Professional MBBS, President Gold Medal recipient.
A commitment to national service, institutional development, and leadership through example.
As a matter of pride, commitment, and role modeling, I have had the privilege of serving as the Founding Vice Chancellor of my alma mater, Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU), from 2017 to date.
During this period, I have voluntarily served the institution without accepting any salary, allowances, privileges, official vehicle, or other financial perks from the Government of Punjab or the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
My service has been entirely voluntary and reflects a personal commitment to national service, institutional development, and giving back to society without monetary benefit.
Salary and other financial benefits voluntarily surrendered over a period of 9 years.
Regular donations of approximately Rs. 200,000 per month in support of institutional and educational development.
Financial support and donations contributed by the family over the last 15 years.
Estimated institutional contribution through honorary peer faculty members and professionals providing services on a voluntary basis.
A collective contribution through surrendered financial benefits, personal donations, family support, and volunteer professional services.
At my request, distinguished honorary peer faculty members and senior professionals have contributed their expertise and services to Rawalpindi Medical University without receiving remuneration, supporting the university's academic, administrative, research, and institutional development objectives.
The Payback Mission represents a philosophy of service based on the belief that education, leadership, and institutional success carry a responsibility to give back to society.
Through voluntary service, personal financial contributions, family support, and the engagement of honorary professionals, this commitment seeks to create a lasting institutional legacy for future generations.
Qualifications, awards, and leadership positions spanning four decades
Full career timeline with detailed positions is available in the Career Journey section above.
Over 200 research papers, 7 books, and numerous international contributions
Comprehensive skills in clinical care, research, and medical education
Committed to serving communities beyond hospital walls
2010 Floods: Renovated flood-affected DHQ Hospital Nowshera (Rs. 4 million), established Rawalians Homes in Daryabad (US$ 200,000).
2022 Floods: Led RMU Flood Relief Committee collecting Rs. 10 million. Organized medical camps across all four provinces with 120 doctors treating 13,000 patients.
2025 Floods: Coordinated flood relief camps in KPK and Punjab, treating thousands in Kasur, Jhang, Buner, and other areas.
Connect for collaborations, consultations, or academic inquiries
Vice Chancellor Office
Rawalpindi Medical University
Tipu Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
359-D, Street 27
I-8/2, Islamabad
Pakistan