When Dr Shahzadi Resham talks about her work, her words carry both warmth and purpose. Her demeanor reflects years of dedication to paediatric care, where compassion and clinical excellence intertwine seamlessly. Recently, her approach to healing earned her The Spirit of Planetree Award, an international recognition celebrating individuals who embody the essence of person-centred care.
For Dr Resham, this recognition is deeply personal. “Receiving this award is humbling,” she reflected. “It reaffirms my belief that kindness, empathy, and presence are as powerful as any medicine we offer. It’s also a shared victory for my patients, their families, and my team, those who make compassionate care possible every single day.”
Her journey with Aga Khan University (AKU) spans nearly two decades, beginning with her internship, followed by a four-year residency in Paediatrics and a three-year fellowship in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology. “The guidance, support, and nurturing environment at AKU made it possible to pursue this work with dedication and purpose,” she said with gratitude.
Her philosophy of care places families at the heart of every decision. “In paediatrics, care is a partnership, between the patient, the parents, and the care team,” she explained. “Listening to their fears and hopes before offering any plan restores dignity and trust. Even in the most difficult moments, that trust becomes the foundation for healing.”
Dr Resham believes that creating systems rooted in compassion requires commitment from institutions as well. “Compassion thrives in environments where staff feel cared for and supported,” she said. “When caregivers are nurtured, they can nurture others. It’s about integrating empathy, communication, and emotional resilience into the culture, making compassion part of the organizational DNA, not an afterthought.”
Looking ahead, she envisions a future where technology and humanity walk hand in hand. According to her the future of person-centred care lies in blending modern medicine with empathy and preserving the art of presence.
