Bay Ismoyo / AFP - Getty Images

Afghan cardiologist Rahima Stanikzair, 43, travels to her private clinic after finishing work at the French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) in Kabul on May 13, 2012.

Agence France Presse reports — Afghan cardiologist Rahima Stanikzair works 14 hours a day serving dozens of patients with heart problems at a private clinic as well as at the French Medical Institute for Children in Kabul.

When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan between 1996 and 2001, she continued working as a doctor as male medical personnel were banned from examining women.

Previously on PhotoBlog:

• In rural Afghanistan, the doctor arrives on the back of a donkey
• Childbirth in the country that is statistically the worst place to be a mother

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Bay Ismoyo / AFP - Getty Images

Rahima Stanikzair monitors an infant's heart at the French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) in Kabul on May 13, 2012.

Bay Ismoyo / AFP - Getty Images

Rahima Stanikzair leaves her office during her lunch break on May 13, 2012.