Rheum After 5: Dr. Nigil Haroon, Photographer

“For the first time in history, five cheetahs were hunting together,” explains Dr. Haroon, who spent days studying their behavior. “They had a leader, and each specialized in something and hunted in formation. One would attack the animal’s neck, another the rear leg. They all knew what their roles were.”

Bengal tiger, Jim Corbett, National Park, 2017

Perhaps his most memorable trip was to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in January 2017. He was huddled in the snow on a ridge when he spotted a coyote in the valley below slowly making its way up the valley wall. On that day, the temperature had dropped to a bitter –40ºF. He waited approximately 30 minutes in the frigid cold for the coyote to climb a hill near him. Dr. Haroon managed to snap several photos. Two months later, one was selected by National Geographic as its Photo of the Day. Dr. Haroon’s payment was bragging rights for years to come.

So far, he hasn’t had any close calls with wildlife. The key, he explains, is not to disturb nature, to blend into the environment, even if it means almost turning into a snowman.

Beneficial Purpose

Dr. Haroon probably values his camera as much as he does his stethoscope. He says photography is as challenging as rheumatology and patience is a virtue in both fields. He chose rheumatology based on his love of discovery and finding solutions. His lab has been working toward solving the puzzle of how arthritis develops and progresses. His future goal involves setting up a small production company with like-minded friends to produce short films highlighting mental health, substance abuse, other addictions and family relations.

“Social media sites all want videos,” he says. “It’s more interesting to tell stories through video. Each of our videos could be a conversation with a message.”