All Star Payback Winner Spotlight: Dr. Waqas Memon — Compassion, Resolve, and the Heart Behind Nephrology

A Vow Made in Childhood

For many clinicians, the calling arrives slowly. For Dr. Memon, it arrived at age 12.

When asked what first inspired him to pursue medicine, he shared a pivotal memory — the story of his grandmother’s misdiagnosis and the lasting impact it had on his family.

“My mom told me the story of my grandmother and how she passed away due to a misdiagnosis. Even as a kid, I felt like it was wrong. I thought that would be my goal — to not allow that to happen to somebody else.”

That early promise became the spark that led him into medical school and, eventually, into nephrology.

Choosing the Hardest Path

Nephrology is one of medicine’s most complex specialties. For Dr. Memon, that was part of the appeal.

“With nephrology, it was the hardest field for me. My personality is that if there’s a challenge, I go for it. Nephrology involves all aspects of medicine.”

His determination to master the most difficult parts of medicine reflects his commitment to the whole human body — and the whole human experience.

A Moment That Confirmed His Purpose

During his second year of training, one night on call in the ICU became the moment he knew he had chosen the right specialty.

He cared for an extremely sick patient throughout the week, supporting both the patient and the family.

“The patient’s family appreciated me so much. They said, ‘We’ve never had a doctor sit down and explain things to us.’ It makes you feel respected and that your opinion matters.”

That combination of compassion and clarity is something families never forget.

Seeing Patients Who Are Often Overlooked

Kidney disease doesn’t always receive the attention that other chronic conditions do. Dr. Memon tries to change that.

“Patients with kidney disease aren’t the most focused-on group. They’re equally important but unfortunately not explored or talked about as much.”

His approach is to understand each patient’s story and provide care tailored to their needs.

Facing the Hardest Parts of Medicine

Every nephrologist knows the emotional weight that comes with caring for chronically ill patients. Dr. Memon reflected on the toughest part of the job:

“When you have a ‘goals-of-care’ discussion and you know the patient isn’t going to make it, that’s probably the hardest thing for a doctor.”

Even in these moments, he prioritizes rapport, empathy, and honesty.

Staying Grounded While Caring for Others

To stay balanced amid an emotionally demanding field, Dr. Memon follows a steady routine.

“The most important thing is having enough sleep, exercising as much as you can, and eating a balanced diet. If you don’t, you can get sick too.”

His advice is a powerful reminder that physicians must care for themselves as much as they care for others.

Why Locum Tenens? Family Comes First

Like many clinicians, Dr. Memon sought a path that allowed him to practice medicine while being fully present for his family.

“I have two small children, and being part of a big nephrology group took away time from my kids. With locums, I’m able to make close to what I was making before while still having time at home — picking them up from school and spending time with them.”

That balance — meaningful work and meaningful time — is exactly what locum tenens can provide.

Connecting With All Star

His first connection with All Star came through an email from his recruiter, Amy McFate.

“I think I got an email from Amy. I replied, and the rest is history.”

Since then?

“It’s been great. You guys are very helpful and accommodating in all ways. It’s been an amazing experience so far.”

Entering the Payback Contest

Amy also encouraged him to enter the Payback Campaign.

“She said it would be a good way to make a little extra and also tell my story. That was the main thing — to share why I decided to do locums.”

As for the prize?

“My wife has a lot of loans, so most likely to help her.”

A perfect use of a Payback award.

Finishing the Sentence: “Being a nephrologist means…”

We ended the interview with a simple fill-in-the-blank. His answer perfectly captures the heart of his practice:

“Being a nephrologist means caring for somebody holistically, getting to know their families, and being able to care for them in an efficient way.”

That is exactly who Dr. Waqas Memon is — a physician who treats not just kidneys, but people; not just patients, but families.

Congratulations, Dr. Memon!

We are honored to recognize you as a 2025 All Star Payback winner. Thank you for the compassion, intelligence, and humanity you bring to medicine each day.

Check out Dr. Memon’s original video submission below.