A total of 162 residents and fellows – many of whom have played a crucial role in treating COVID-19 patients during the pandemic – graduated at Aga Khan University Medical College’s 26th Postgraduate Medical Education, PGME, ceremony on Saturday.
Certificates were awarded to 139 residents and 23 fellows in areas relevant to the treatment of COVID-19 such as anaesthesiology and intensive care, emergency medicine, pulmonary medicine, paediatric infectious diseases and adult infectious diseases.
“You are more than trainees, you are the backbone of Aga Khan University Hospitals,” said Mr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, who was attending the graduation first time as President of the University.
“Our PGME programme has had incredible impact throughout the country. I am so excited for all of you to be engrained in the fabric of the medical society of Pakistan and make a difference,” said Dr Adil Haider, Dean, AKU Medical College, Pakistan.
The ceremony’s chief guest was Professor Khalid Masud Gondal, Vice Chancellor, King Edward Medical College, Lahore who gave great insight into the impact that the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan is doing across the country and the world.
The graduates were also part of various research studies and clinical trials at the University to generate new knowledge to improve the management of COVID-19 as well as other diseases.
The hybrid graduation ceremony saw all graduates and immediate family members attend in person, while observing physical distancing, while extended friends and family attended virtually. Ten Best Residents awards were given at the ceremony while the Excellence in Research award was also presented to a resident and fellow.
Since its inception in 1985, AKU’s PGME programme has graduated over 3,500 specialist doctors who have helped raise healthcare standards in Pakistan and abroad. Over 60 per cent of AKU PGME graduates are working in Pakistan and more than a third of clinical faculty at AKU are graduates of its own PGME programme.
All of AKU’s 34 residency programmes are recognised by the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Pakistan. The University also offers advanced training through 35 fellowship programmes to senior physicians.