My Muslim Doctor and Did I Make A Difference?

07/26/2026 | Doyle A Ranstrom, LLC | Senior Thoughts

I have often wondered if I have made a positive difference. Or a another way of asking this question is the world a better place for me being in it. I hope so. Though I certainly have made lots and lots of mistakes, I try to be a good person. Be kind, consciouses, thoughtful and consistent in striving to follow the teachings of Jesus.

So lets give me the benefit of the doubt for a moment and assume the world is a little better because I am in it. If thats the case, I truly believe I am still here because of one brilliant nephrologist.

I was first officially diagnosed with neurotic syndrome, Greek for kidney disease in early 1999. My initial nephrologist told me I had a 50/50 chance of kidney failure which is not a good thing. I have often wondered if I have made a positive difference. Or a another way of asking this question is the world a better place for me being in it. I hope so. Though I certainly have made lots and lots of mistakes, I try to be a good person. Be kind, consciouses, thoughtful and consistent in striving to follow the teachings of Jesus.

I was first officially diagnosed with neurotic syndrome in early 1999. He told me I had a 50/50 chance of kidney failure which is not a good thing. He also told me he was retiring in a few weeks.

My second nephrologist was awesome. I met with him every 3-6 months for years. Nephrotic syndrome can affect people differently. In my case, the side affects included carrying an extra 25-35 pounds of water weight, leaking vitamins and protein, and being tired all of the time. And I took double digit prescriptions and supplements every day to ease the symptoms.

I worked 50-70 hours a week, tried to be a good family person, coached soccer and basketball, was on Boards, and biked long distances, but I was always tired. During my fifth year, my nephrologist suggested we try something new. He suggested I go on cellcept which was the kidney transplant drug. He said there was evidence it would help in cases like mine. He went thru the side affects and I said lets go.

Have you every been tired every day for years and then wake up one morning after almost five years and wonder what is wrong? And then you realize nothing is wrong. Your’re not tired and feel good, great even. Its amazing.

And I owe it all to my brilliant nephrologist. And here’s the kicker. My nephrologist was from Pakistan and a Muslim. He helped me through one if not the worst stages of my life. Did he save my life? Maybe. But I sure believe he did.

He was a kind caring doctor. I had occasion to watch he deal with other patient and their families and he always did so with empathy. He eventually left Fargo and moved to California because his sons, who were straight A students, were being bullied in the Fargo school system. Christian boys with Christian parents bullying Muslim boys with Muslim parents. Jesus would not approve.

When I see anti-Muslim posts online or in person, it makes very sad and angry. This is personal to me. Without my Muslim Doctor, I may not be here it. Hence, the question is the world is better of because I am still in it. Because if it is, it may be because of my Muslim Doctor.

Muslims, Christians and Jews have a long history of violence against each other. They also have a long history of living peacefully with each other.

In the Jewish synagogue attack in 2018 in Pittsburg where 11 Jewish people were killed and 6 injured, the shooter identified as Christian. Immediately Muslim groups raised $25,000 in six hours and over $125,000 to help with funeral expenses and medical expenses of those affected by the act of terror. These Muslim communities were a perfect example of Jesus’s teachings about the Good Samaritan. It also is an example of a man who said he was a Christian murdering people of the Jewish faith in their place of worship and the victims being helped by people of the Muslim faith.

The worst of us in any faith or religion demonize those of different faiths. The best of us in all religions love their neighbor regardless of their faith or background.

Though I have been often told I look like a Greek God, actually no one has ever said that, I have a lot of bad stuff going on inside past the pretty looks. So I have seen lots of doctors including specialists, GPs, PAs, and NPs. Some have been one form or another of Christian, some Jewish, some Muslim, some Hindu, some Buddhist, and some no religion. [The no religion is probably the highest percentage group.]

All the good ones, and the vast majority were very good at their profession, had three things in common. They were very knowledgeable in their profession, they listened and had compassion along with empathy for their patients. Regardless the patient’s faith or lack of faith, the quality medical professionals treat them to best of their ability. There’s a lesson there for all of us.

Whenever I see a post which attacks people of the Muslim faith or any faith for that matter I am personally offended because I might not be here without my brilliant Muslim Doctor. I also know the person doing the post may call themselves a Christian but they have never thought about or committed the basic teachings of Jesus.