It is with deep sorrow that we announce the demise of our dear colleague Dr Salahuddin Shaikh. Our heartfelt condolence goes out to his family and friends.
Dr. Salahuddin Shaikh joined AKU in 1985 as an Assistant Professor. He was the first member of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health and remained its interim head till 1987 when its first Chair was appointed. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1989 though a year later he opted for part-time faculty status, serving as a Consultant at AKU from 1990 to date.
Dr Shaikh is credited with establishing the foundation of the Department of Paediatrics & Child Health at AKU, and setting up our first Paediatrics Ward and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He initiated the hiring of faculty members and the procurement of paediatric equipment which propelled the growth and sustainability of the department. And his dedicated oversight of the clinical and academic programmes of the department and involvement in University level committees laid the groundwork for a solid model of excellence.
As a seasoned clinician and academic, Dr Shaikh was admired by all and looked upon as a father figure by many. He has mentored many junior faculty and residents who have now come into their own thanks to his mentorship, guidance and support. At the Pakistan Paediatrics Association where he was an active member, he was extremely well respected by his peers and juniors.
Dr Fyezah Jehan, current Chair of Paediatrics said: "He mentored several generations of paediatricians,spreading more wisdom and love in one lifetime than anyone I know of."
AKUH CEO Dr Shafi, a member of AKU’s first MBBS class himself upon hearing the news said “DSS as he was known, was a pioneering member of AKU. It was amazing to see him 40 years later still working on future strategy for the department – his mind was still so sharp and fully dedicated to AKU – like a soldier who never quits”.
As the first Director - Outreach (Paediatrics) he made significant contributions in the integration of AKHSP, Secondary Care Hospitals with the main campus in 2008. Dr Salahuddin Shaikh performed all his duties with humour, gentleness and great respect for everyone. He will always be remembered and dearly missed.
Dr Shaikh and his wife had many years earlier, suffered the loss of their young son Kamal, at the age of 26. Instead of mourning his loss, Dr Shaikh insisted on celebrating his life; something that we all know he would want us to do now for him. He is survived by his lovely wife Marion, his daughter Alia (AKU MBBS ’94), son Sohail, and 5 grandchildren between them.