The Good Doctor
Mahdieh Qazvinian
Staff writer
Dr. Bahram Razin, a 78-year-old specialist in infectious diseases, has been providing free treatment to patients for the past 40 years at his office located in the Safa’iye neighborhood of Shahr-e Rey. Razin resides in the Mirdamad neighborhood of Tehran and drives his trusty 2011 Pride car model to work every day, arriving promptly at six in the morning.
Razin’s philosophy is one devoid of material attachments; he even named his apartment after his wife. At the age of 60, he purchased this house and now lives amongst neighbors who don’t even know his name and are unaware of his medical endeavors. However, within Shahr-e Rey, Razin is well-known and sees a minimum of 50 patients daily during two shifts — one in the morning and one in the evening.
The esteemed doctor has three daughters; two are married while one remains a college student. Surprisingly, none have followed their father’s footsteps into medicine. His wife is also retired from her profession as a teacher. Alongside practicing medicine, Razin serves as a professor at Shahid Beheshti University where students recognize him for teaching “love and ethics”.
Expressing great satisfaction with the people residing in Shahr-e Rey, whom he holds dear, Dr. Razin states that “infectious diseases tend to affect those living underprivileged lifestyles” more frequently than heart disease or other ailments do — a primary reason why he established his practice specifically within this community to provide aid and assistance to those most in need including Afghan nationals residing there.
Razin’s office is housed within an unassuming single-story building covered by foliage that conceals its sign from view intentionally — an indication of his modest nature.
Upon entering the building, visitors find themselves greeted by a small three-room hall filled with numerous individuals seated on chairs — with additional people waiting outside.
Stairs lead from the doctor’s room down to the basement where three more rooms are located: one for outpatient surgeries, another serving as a resting area for the doctor, and a third room filled with shoes and clothes — an intriguing sight that captures attention.
A charity center
When asked about the purpose of collecting shoes and clothes, Razin explained that they are gathered to be given to needy patients who visit his clinic. It is not just a medical facility but also functions as a charity center. The doctor stated that they have established a fund specifically dedicated to covering the costs of medication and treatment for underprivileged patients, supporting them throughout their entire recovery process.
Razin emphasized the financial struggles faced by patients who cannot afford medical expenses such as consultations, medications, laboratory tests, and imaging procedures. This led him to initiate the fund — with a designated bank account — where benefactors and ordinary individuals gradually joined forces to help cover these costs. Astonishingly, even people from economically disadvantaged areas in the south of the city have contributed up to one million tomans ($20,000) despite their own financial hardships.
When questioned about his modest lifestyle and philanthropy, Razin attributes it to his religious beliefs and his father’s wishes. Before departing for England on a scholarship opportunity for further specialization in infectious diseases, his father advised him with profound words that would hopefully help him find prosperity in this world and the hereafter.
His father also entrusted him with a small property located in one of Tehran’s deprived neighborhoods upon graduating from university: “Serve the people residing there,” were his father’s instructions.
Upon returning from England, Razin honored this wish by establishing his clinic for the underprivileged, all the while visiting impoverished villages and settlements. Driven by a personal sense of satisfaction, he treated individuals afflicted with infectious diseases during times when such ailments were widespread.
He would prepare medicines at his own expense with assistance from other doctors. During the 1960s era alone, he managed to save numerous lives otherwise doomed by these illnesses.
During the Iraqi-imposed war on Iran, he courageously served at field hospitals situated near active battle zones before eventually returning to Tehran, where fulfilling his father’s legacy brought him immense joy. Presently, Razin’s focus extends beyond imparting scientific knowledge to students. He places equal importance on teaching them morals and ethics.
Patients are no source of income
In his view, the most significant threat to the medical community lies in the financial relationship between patients and doctors — a concern he actively addresses by offering free treatment and establishing a system that eliminates any monetary transaction between him and those seeking care.
“I hope for a future where doctors no longer perceive their patients as mere sources of income,” Razin expressed with sincerity.
The doctor-patient relationship he fosters extends beyond the conventional boundaries of a medical office — it is characterized by friendship and support.
“Sometimes, my clients visit me not because they are sick, but to seek advice and assistance with loans or job opportunities. I try to engage in conversations with my patients during treatment, providing them an opportunity to discuss any problems they may have. These interactions cultivate friendships, and over the course of 40 years, I have formed connections with all my patients and residents within the neighborhood.”
It might be hard to believe, but through his guidance and counsel, Razin has managed to prevent several couples from parting ways — some even found themselves getting married as a result.
The doctor firmly believes in the positive outcomes generated by his acts of kindness. He attributes this success to what he calls “the collective prayers” offered on his behalf by countless individuals. His sole capital consists of good health and a contented heart — a reflection of a lifetime dedicated to serving his patients.
“At 78 years old, I am grateful that I remain free from disease. Having loving children and good sons-in-law is more than enough for me.”
Razin’s patient base extends far beyond urban dwellers. People from various cities across Iran such as Ahvaz, Dezful, Nahavand, Qom, Tehran, and Karaj also seek out his expertise for examinations.
In contrast to some doctors who negotiate higher fees for home visits, Razin willingly visits sick and vulnerable individuals in their homes without seeking any compensation. During the challenging days brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, since he cared deeply about public welfare, he devotedly provided home-based care, attending primarily to those who were severely ill.
Financial challenges
In addition to his clinic, Razin earns an income through a teaching position at Shahid Beheshti University. Although not substantial, he believes that it is sufficient for him to lead a modest and healthy life.
“My sense of abundance stems from the grace and mercy bestowed upon me by God — not from the bank accounts of sick and needy individuals who have traveled from near and far in hopes of finding treatment within my office. Here, not only are needy patients exempt from examination fees, but also their entire treatment expenses are covered by a fund established within this very office.”
Every day, Dr. Razin’s office experiences a recurring cycle of expenses related to medication preparation, diagnostic tests, hospital admissions, and more. Masoumeh, the doctor’s secretary, affirms his unwavering dedication to serving underprivileged and needy individuals.
“There are times when the expenses of the office exceed the income generated for that day due to treatment costs for patients. When I share this with the doctor, he smiles and reminds me of how many people are praying for both of us,” she says.
Despite any financial challenges faced by the clinic, Masoumeh expresses contentment with her salary and describes working with the doctor as a source of tranquility.
“Razin’s office serves as a beacon of hope for citizens from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Around 60 percent of his clientele comprises individuals from these countries. Even those struggling with addiction find support here; at times they receive financial assistance from Dr. Razin himself,” she says, adding, “The doctor has personally funded several rehabilitation programs for addicts.”
Strong testimonies
Hakimeh, one of Razin’s patients who hails from Afghanistan but resides in the same neighborhood testifies: “The doctor is an angel; I don’t recover anywhere else except in his office.” Hakimeh also shares that even her father received effective treatment from him despite suffering from mental illness.
Elaheh echoes Hakimeh’s sentiments: “My sister-in-law is undergoing surgery today. She had an abdominal rupture that no other doctor was able to diagnose except Dr. Razin. During the days of the coronavirus pandemic, the doctor reached out to every resident within our community — truly becoming our savior. He is just and considers only God.”
Habibeh, responsible for administering injections at the clinic enters with a smile on her face. She perceives this clinic as a university where she can learn ethics directly from Dr. Razin while gaining valuable work experience alongside him.
“I found my life’s path in this office. My major was psychology, but now I come here with love and am studying to obtain a nursing degree again. The genuine relationship between the doctor and his patients has been truly inspiring for me,” Habibeh says.
During our conversation with Razin, a fifty-something-year-old foreign woman entered his room. She described her pain while he listened attentively. He then proceeded to write a prescription for her and asked her to wait momentarily inside the room. Razin descended the stairs of his office only to return holding a package of frozen meat and gave it to her.
“It is the votive of Imam Hussein (PBUH),” he said. He then provided her with some money from the fund specifically designated for purchasing medication.