Dr. Yasmin Amarsi Appointed First Dean of AKU-SON

Dr.Yasmin Amarsi was appointed the first Dean of Aga Khan University School of Nursing (AKU-SON) in August 2002. During her 22-year association with AKU, Dr. Amarsi has become a role model for nurses endeavouring to make a difference in their profession.

Dr. Amarsi has been a pioneer in many respects. Not only was she the first Pakistani nurse to obtain her PhD in nursing, but was also the first national to be appointed Director of AKU-SON. She completed her PhD in Nursing from Canada's McMaster University in 1998, MSc in Nursing from the University of Arizona, USA, and Post-RN BScN from McMaster University in 1985. She undertook her basic nursing education of RN, RM in Pakistan.

As a founding faculty member of AKU-SON, Dr. Amarsi has provided the School with dynamic leadership in its continued academic and geographical expansion, with new initiatives both in Pakistan and abroad. "Once viewed as a path many would not tread, nursing has emerged today as a profession, which is attracting a larger number of better calibre students from across the country. Most importantly, there is heightened recognition that nursing forms an integral part of the health care system," she said.

Acknowledging the support of His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of the University, senior management of AKU and her family, she said, "My inspiration has been His Highness's words: to ensure that nursing receives the respect and recognition it deserves."

The University remains committed to advancing the nursing profession, a discipline largely comprising women. It thereby seeks to advance the status of women by empowering them and increasing their standing in society so that they become key partners in national progress.