The Department of Medicine of the Faculty of Health Sciences of AKU held its second annual Research Retreat in May 2003, with a series of research papers highlighting the ongoing investigational activities at the University. These included scientific papers covering certain key health sciences areas, such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and infectious diseases:  tuberculosis, typhoid, malaria, etc.

In the opening session, Dr. Saeed Hamid, Associate Professor, Section of Gastroenterology, presented results on potential molecular mechanism of progressive liver injury in chronic viral hepatitis. Dr. Shahab Abid, Assistant Professor, Section of Gastroenterology, reported a high prevalence of specific gastrointestinal injuries associated with various types of medicines in Pakistan, and Dr. Amyn Alidina, Acting Chief, Section of Medical Oncology, reported on the local survival data from patients with a certain type of gastrointestinal cancer.

Dr. Fahim Jafary (MBBS, '90), Assistant Professor, Section of Cardiology, made a presentation on factors associated with heart attacks in young adults. He stressed that tobacco control programmes, a decreased intake in clarified butter (ghee), regular exercise, cholesterol screening programmes, and improvement in the level of education are likely to have a profound effect on the trend of premature heart attacks in the Pakistani population. Dr. Fateh Ali Tippo, Fellow, Section of Cardiology, presented his study showing that outcomes of patients with myocardial infarction treated at the University Hospital are comparable to those in the western world. Dr. Farhan Tirmizi, Research Instructor, Clinical Trial Unit, reported the results of his study demonstrating that relatives of patients with high blood pressure not only have a considerably higher risk of this disease, but that it also affects them at a younger age. Thus, family members of patients with high blood pressure should be regularly screened for hypertension.

Dr. Saad Shafqat (MBBS, '88), Assistant Professor, Section of Neurology, noted the high risk of strokes among patients with hypertension, and Dr. Mohammad Wasay, Assistant Professor, Section of Neurology, presented safety data on the use of heparin (blood thinner) for preventing thrombosis of leg veins in bed-ridden patients with haemorrhagic stroke. Dr. Nadir Ali Syed (MBBS, '90), Associate Professor, Section of Neurology, presented a novel, indigenously developed apparatus that assists patients with certain sleep-related breathing disorders.

In the final session Dr. M. Aslam Khan (MBBS, '94), Assistant Professor, Section of Internal Medicine, presented data on  effective, low cost, antibiotic therapy in critically ill hospitalised patients.

Dr. M. Irfan, Fellow, Section of Pulmonology, presented results on drug susceptibility patterns of mycobacterium causing disseminated tuberculosis, and Dr. Aasima Yawar, Fellow, Section of Endocrinology, presented findings on the elevated risk of bone disease in patients with diabetes. An additional forty research   projects were displayed in a poster exhibition during the conference, highlighting various clinical problems relevant to Pakistan. Drs. Fahim Jafary and Nadir Ali Syed received the award for best oral presentations, and Dr. Tazeen Jafar (MBBS, '90) for the best poster presentation. Dr. Tasleem Akthar, Chairperson, Pakistan Medical Research Council, delivered the Retreat’s keynote address on "Clinical Research and its Impact on Population Health in Pakistan". Dr. Tazeen Jafar, Chair of Research Committee, Department of Medicine, highlighted the significant contribution of the Department of Medicine to the research productivity in South Asia, and the recent strategic measures taken to further increase collaborative research with institutions within Pakistan and abroad.

Commenting on the day's proceedings, Department Chairman, Dr. Wasim Jafri, said, "This meeting represents Aga Khan University's, and the Department of Medicine's commitment towards research and innovation.  Original research of high calibre was presented by the faculty of the Department of Medicine. Such a conference is unique in its nature in Pakistan and the Department of Medicine is proud to maintain the lead in such research endeavours, which would lead to advancements in medical science and improved health of our population."