He received an M.B;B.S from Dow Medical College in Karachi in 1962 and worked as House officer for two years before proceeding to the United Kingdom for further education.

Rahimtoola attained full Professorship status during 1975 and served as Professor of Medicine at the Medical College then onward.

Shamsuddin Rahimtoola was also officially gazetted as the Physician to the President, Prime Minister, foreign Dignitaries and associated persons for the period from 1978 onward.

Shamsuddin Rahimtoola was also known for his exemplary charity work for poor patients at the largest tertiary care Hospital in Karachi.

The Digital Library was set up earlier to establish connectivity with other HEC institutions and international academic bodies.

[13][14] The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) dedicated its plenary session to Professor Shamsuddin Rahimtoola at the Karachi Conference in November 2016.

[16] The Dow University bestowed the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' on Shamsuddin Rahimtoola in 2013 to honor his commitment, dedication and contribution to the institution for over four decades.

[17] Professor Abu Talib, Vice Principal of the Dow Medical College read out the citation on the occasion.

[21][22] The Dow University held a condolence meeting at the Arag Auditorium where the Vice Chancellor, Professors and Administrative staff paid their respective tributes.