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Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | 10:00 PM — The RDA Elections for the term 2025–26 concluded on 25th May 2025 (Sunday), with 599 resident doctors from JNMC and ZADC, Aligarh Muslim University, casting their votes to elect the new Resident Doctors’ Association. The final results were declared late at night by the Chief Election Officer, Dr. Mushahid Raza Khan (Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care).
The Results
- Dr. Sami Ahmed Khan (Department of Radiodiagnosis) emerged victorious as the President of the Resident Doctors’ Association, securing 362 out of 599 votes, defeating Dr. Tahir Hussain Farooqui (Department of Surgery) by a significant margin.
- Dr. Utkarsh Pandey (Department of Orthopedics) was elected as the General Secretary, securing 332 out of 599 votes, defeating Dr. Shahid (Department of Ophthalmology) and Dr. Sana (Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology).
- Dr. Akhtar Ali (Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry) secured a strong win for the post of Vice President, garnering 356 out of 599 votes, defeating Dr. Hazique (Department of Orthopedics)
- Dr. Junaid (Department of Ophthalmology) was elected as the Joint Secretary, securing 314 out of 599 votes, defeating Dr. Jamal Khursheed (Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care).
Exclusive Interview
Dr. Vibhor Gupta, from the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care and Founder of The Medical Bulletin, interviewed Dr. Sami Ahmed Khan and Dr. Utkarsh Pandey following the conclusion of the RDA elections.
Q:First of all, congratulations! How does it feel to be elected as the President of RDA, JNMCH-AMU?
Dr Sami: “It’s truly an honor — this is a position of great responsibility that the residents have entrusted me with. People should feel that work is actually being done for their welfare, with full transparency. RDA was formed to represent and protect residents’ interests, and we are here to uphold that. No matter how small an issue is, we will raise it and address it — equally and without bias.”
Q:What are your top 3 priorities as the newly elected President?
Dr Sami: Establishing a Security Committee to ensure the safety of residents across all departments and hostels. Forming a Food Committee and Addressing infrastructure issues — from duty rooms to academic spaces and as mentioned in my manifesto.
Q:What projects will you prioritize in the first 100 days?
Dr Utkarsh: We’ll begin with upgrading the RDA Complex — fixing the TT room ceiling, restoring the badminton court, repairing non-functional ACs, and improving the common room. Duty room upgrades and maintenance issues like illegal entries and faulty equipment, Food Issues will also be addressed early on.
Q:How do you plan to handle conflicts or disagreements within the RDA team to ensure smooth functioning?
Dr Utkarsh: Disagreements are natural in any team setting, and we acknowledge that they will occur. Our approach will be to openly discuss the differing views, modify points where necessary, and ensure clear communication so everyone understands the perspectives involved. Ultimately, decisions will be made with the consensus and agreement of all team members to maintain harmony and smooth functioning.
Q:Will there be any new initiatives for academic support, like PG teaching programs or conferences/ RDA fest?
Dr Sami: Initially, we will focus on stabilizing and strengthening the RDA to make it fully functional. Once the foundation is solid, we plan to create a supportive academic environment, including organising CMEs in collaboration with departments and other learning activities. We also aim to reintroduce valuable courses like the CCLS program. Any other academic requirements or initiatives will be addressed as per the team and members’ needs.
Q: How do you plan to bring visibility and voice to RDA at a national level?
Dr Sami: We are currently in talks with FAIMA and other prominent leaders to represent RDA’s interests at the national level. Our goal is to actively raise important points and concerns on these platforms. Additionally, we are reaching out to other national leaders to build strong collaborations that amplify RDA’s voice across the country.
Q: Do you believe RDA can play a role in social outreach or public health initiatives beyond the hospital campus?
Dr Utkarsh: Yes, we plan to collaborate with the Drug Society and other relevant organizations to find combined solutions. We will also reach out to NGOs and community groups to extend our social outreach and actively participate in public health initiatives beyond the hospital campus.
Q: The recent RDA elections saw diverse candidates getting elected you are in itself External; how do you see this shift impacting the association’s approach?
Dr Utkarsh: This is a positive development. It shows that residents are genuinely interested in the functioning and growth of the RDA. Healthy competition encourages better ideas and greater involvement. I would also like to thank all the residents for their enthusiasm and participation.
Q: One promise you’ve made to yourself – that you will not compromise on during your presidency?
Dr Sami: Transparency and accountability will be the cornerstones of my presidency.
Q: What most recent change you will be discussing with administration?
Dr Sami: We’ll be addressing key concerns including waiver of attendance marked absent during the April strike, salary deductions during CL in the extension period, and timely salary disbursement. We’ll also push for infrastructure improvements—PG duty rooms, seminar halls, the RDA complex, and the crèche. Curtailment of CL days for the 2023 batch and follow-up on pending strike demands will also be discussed.
The Medical Bulletin wishes all candidates a successful tenure ahead!
The Medical Bulletin
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