Over 200 healthcare professionals, students, and educators gathered at the Aga Khan University for the 2nd International Allied Health Conference, a vibrant celebration of innovation, learning, and collaboration in healthcare. Held under the theme “Three Shifts: Hospital to Community, Treatment to Prevention, Analogue to Digital," the two-day event explored how allied health professionals are redefining the delivery of care in a rapidly changing world.
With 27 pre- and post-conference workshops spanning 17 allied health disciplines, and more than 60 research presentations, participants shared pioneering ideas aimed at making healthcare more inclusive, preventive, and technology driven.
Dr. Robyna Irshad Khan, Chair of the Office of Allied Health, expressed her pride in witnessing the transformation taking place within the profession. “The 2nd International Allied Health Conference truly brought our theme to life, 'hospital to community, treatment to prevention, analogue to digital.' I felt proud seeing so many allied health professionals come together with purpose and creativity to imagine what the next era of healthcare can look like."
The conference featured three international speakers and over a dozen national experts, each contributing their unique perspective on the evolving landscape of allied health.
The sessions reflected the “three shifts" in action. The first, Hospital to Community, emphasized the growing importance of taking healthcare beyond traditional hospital walls, addressing early childhood development, nutrition, and community-based wellness initiatives. The second, Treatment to Prevention, focused on how allied health professionals are integrating mental health, genomics, and behavioral change into patient care, highlighting the role of prevention in building healthier societies. And the third, Analogue to Digital, showcased the digital transformation of healthcare, from electronic health records to AI-driven prosthetics and telemedicine, illustrating how technology is empowering both practitioners and patients.
A highlight of the conference was the panel discussion on integrated diabetes care, where multidisciplinary experts underscored the essential role of allied health professionals in managing chronic diseases through teamwork and patient-centered approaches.
The conference concluded with inspiration to continue pushing boundaries and bridging gaps between disciplines. As one participant remarked, “Allied health is no longer working behind the scenes, it's leading the shift toward a smarter, more compassionate future in healthcare."
