Dea​n Adil Haider Clinical Research Fellowship - DAHCRF​

The Dean Adil Haider Clinical Research Fellowship (DAHCRF) is a fully funded, one-year program for AKU Medical College graduates who aspire to strengthen their expertise in clinical research.

Launched in 2020 under the vision of then Dean, Dr Adil Haider, the fellowship provides immersive, hands-on exposure across diverse research domains supported by AKU's robust research infrastructure and resourced. Fellows engage in both applied research and structured learning, including workshops and teaching sessions that build practical skills in study design, biostatistics, digital health, research ethics and scientific communication.​

​Program ​Det​ails

Each fellow is paired with a faculty mentor or research group within the Medical College, chosen for their active involvement in clinical research. Fellows work directly on ongoing projects while serving as a bridge between faculty, residents, and medical students, collaborating across AKU’s research ecosystem — including the Research Office, Ethics Review Committee (ERC), Biostatistics Unit, Digital Health resources, and the Technology Innovation Support Centre (TISC).

All fellows receive dedicated workspace at CITRIC, complete with meeting rooms and access to AKU’s academic and hospital infrastructure. The program’s interdisciplinary environment fosters meaningful collaboration and professional growth.

Faculty mentors play a pivotal role in ensuring that each fellow:

- Gains broad exposure to the clinical research process

- Develops a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

- Builds the foundation for success in academic or clinical leadership​

​Application Process Faculty: Faculty members interested in mentoring a DAHCRF fellow for one year are invited to apply. Preference is given to those engaged in established research groups or ongoing collaborative projects. Graduating Students and Fresh Alumni: Calls for applications are circulated annually. Applicants already working with an AKU faculty member may continue their ongoing projects through enrollment in the fellowship. For inquiries or feedback, please contact Dr. Sidra Ishaque, Assistant Professor, Paediatrics & Child Health.​

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​​Fellows' Journey W​ith DAHCRF

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Fellow matched with Faculty

Dr Nabeel Ashfaque, MBBS Class of 2019, applied to the first cycle of the DAHCRF program (2020-2021) to build on his passion for the field of Oncology, particularly in the use of modern technology to improve clinical outcomes within oncological care. After his selection, Dr Ashfaque underwent the match cycle where he was fittingly matched with the Chairperson and Service Line Chief of Oncology, Dr Zehra Fadoo​. Together, Dr Ashfaque and Dr Fadoo worked on thirteen different projects in just one year; one project worked towards establishing a national cancer registry in Pakistan, while another project was aimed at the use of WhatsApp as a form of tele-medicine for palliative healthcare. Through out Dr Ashfaque’s research journey, he was support by Dr Fadoo who encouraged him to explore his passions by conducting quality research in his areas of interest.​

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Fellow matched with Faculty

Since he had an interest in Anesthesiology, Ebadullah Shahood Ahmed, MBBS Class of 2023, joined the fifth cycle of the DCRF Program and was matched with Dr Mohsin Nazir​ in the Department of Anesthesiology. His work focused on perioperative care and frailty in older patients. The program’s structure, mentorship, and breadth of opportunities greatly enriched his academic experience and motivated him to return for a second year. In his following cycle, Dr. Ahmed joined Dr. Asad Latif, working simultaneously across two dynamic centers. At the Center for Patient Safety, he contributed to projects aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing adverse events through system-level learning and safety interventions. In parallel, he continued research with the Tele-ICU initiative, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic and now enhances the skills of physicians managing critically ill adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients. Dr. Ahmed hopes to carry forward the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained through these projects into his future clinical and research career, continuing to improve patient care and safety.​​