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Chair, Department of Family Medicine

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction

About The Aga Khan University
Founded in 1983, the Aga Khan University is Pakistan’s first private university and a leading health sciences centre in the region. It has expanded into disciplines including education, media and communications, and arts and sciences. Since 2000, AKU has broadened its presence to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the UK. It is dedicated to improving living conditions for the poor, regardless of faith, origin, or gender, through world-class teaching, research, and health-care delivery.

The Aga Khan University Medical College in Karachi provides high-quality education to produce responsible healthcare professionals who contribute to society and become leaders in their fields. Its programmes are tailored to international standards, aiming to develop excellent clinical competencies in community settings and hospitals. The goal is to produce health professional leaders through unique training programmes and strong research initiatives, impacting medical education in Pakistan and beyond.

About the Department of Family Medicine
Established in 2003, the the Department of Family Medicine at Aga Khan University Karachi is the first academic Family Medicine department in Pakistan. It launched the country’s first structured residency programme in 1993, following the specialty’s formal recognition by CPSP in 1992. The department leads in undergraduate and postgraduate education, including the newly introduced Family Medicine Essentials programme.

Clinically, it offers comprehensive services across multiple locations—Stadium Road, Clifton Medical Services, off-campus hospitals, and outreach centres—covering chronic care, wellness, preventive screenings, and occupational health. The department remains committed to developing community responsive, patient-centred family physicians for Pakistan’s evolving healthcare needs.

Academic Programmes
The department offers a robust portfolio of academic and training initiatives, including:
  1. Postgraduate Residency Programme: Pakistan’s first structured Family Medicine residency, accredited by CPSP and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I). This four-year programme integrates inpatient and outpatient experiences across primary and subspecialty domains, emphasizing preventive, curative, promotive and rehabilitative care.|

  2. Geriatric Fellowship: A pioneering two-year fellowship focused on advanced care for older adults.

  3. Global Physician Programme: A CPSP-certified two-year postgraduate programme designed to prepare physicians for global practice.

  4. Undergraduate Education: MBBS students participate in Family Medicine rotations during their third and fifth years, gaining clinical exposure and community-based learning under faculty supervision.

  5. Continuing Education – FamMed Essentials: A WHO-endorsed, blended-learning certificate course for physicians and nurses. Designed by AKU faculty, it supports evidence-based practice and postgraduate exam preparation.

Departmental Scope 
  1. Teaching: The department contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate education through structured rotations, fellowships and continuing education programmes. Faculty are actively involved in curriculum development and mentorship.

  2. Clinical Services: Family Medicine faculty provide care across multiple settings including University Clinics, Employee Health and Student Health Services. The department manages a high volume of patient encounters annually, emphasizing continuity and comprehensive care.

  3. Research: Research is a core pillar of the Department of Family Medicine, supporting its commitment to excellence in clinical care and education. The department is committed to building research capacity among family and primary care physicians, with a focus on generating evidence that improves clinical practice and informs health policy. Faculty and students actively contribute to advancing family medicine through impactful, practice-based research.

  4. National and International Contribution: The department collaborates with key national and international stakeholders including the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), College of Family Medicine Pakistan, Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians, Royal College of General Practitioners (UK), World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Strategic Relevance
AKU expands its focus on Population and Environmental Health, Family Medicine is well-positioned to lead interdisciplinary efforts addressing climate-related health impacts, social determinants, and health equity. This strategic alignment strengthens the department’s relevance and supports AKU’s vision for healthier populations on a healthier planet.

Responsibilities

About The Role
AKU invites applications for the position of Chair, Department of Family Medicine. This is a strategic leadership role at the intersection of primary care, academic innovation and health systems strengthening, aligned with AKU’s Strategic Plan and emerging priorities in Population and Environmental Health.


Key Responsibilities:
Reporting jointly to the Dean, Medical College and the CEO, Health Services Pakistan, the Chair for the Department of Family Medicine will:

  • Lead strategic planning across clinical, academic and research domains
  • Ensure delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care
  • Oversee academic quality assurance
  • Foster a culture of research and innovation in primary care and health systems
  • Secure external funding and support high-impact scholarly publications.
  • Recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty, aligning development with departmental goals.
  • Support faculty development and mentorship
  • Represent the department in university governance and external forums
  • Collaborate with the Office of University Advancement on donor engagement and fundraising
  • Champion equity, inclusion and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Requirements

  • Postgraduate qualification in Family Medicine (FCPS or equivalent);
  • At least five years of leadership experience in an academic medical setting;
  • Eligible for appointment as Associate Professor or Full Professor at AKU;
  • Proven excellence in clinical care, teaching and research;
  • Strong publication record and experience in grant acquisitionNational and international recognition in Family Medicine;
  • Strategic vision and collaborative leadership style;
  • Commitment to health systems strengthening in low- and middle-income countries.

To Apply

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application at human.resources@aku.edu, with the position title in the subject line. Your application should comprise:

  • A covering letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role;
  • An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae;
  • Names and contact details of three referees (referees will only be approached at the final stage of the search and selection process, and only with your express permission).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

AKU is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding and maintaining appropriate standards for promoting respectful relationships with and among all faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works with including children and vulnerable adults. It expects all employees, trainees, and partners to share this commitment.

Comprehensive employment reference checks for the finalists will be conducted.

Applications should be submitted latest by December 5, 2025