Alumni Spotlight
Dr Hamid D Naeem MBE '11 & MSc HPM '16
How do you stay motivated and relevant in your field, especially in a world that’s constantly evolving?I stay motivated by constantly reminding myself of the direct impact rehabilitation has on
people’s lives; it’s not just about treatment, but about restoring dignity, independence, and hope. The field is evolving rapidly, so I actively engage with global networks, research, and policy discussions, and try to translate new learnings into practical solutions in Pakistan. My motivation stems from the people I serve and from the conviction that access to rehabilitation is a fundamental human right.
In your vast experience, what are the most pressing healthcare needs of our people? Where are we, as a healthcare community, doing well, and where do we need more effort and investment?Pakistan has made great progress in maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and expanding access to primary healthcare. However, rehabilitation and disability-inclusive healthcare remain underprioritized. Non-communicable diseases, injuries, and aging populations are increasing the demand for rehabilitation and assistive technology services, but the system is not fully equipped to meet this need. Investment in human resources for rehabilitation, integration of rehab into primary healthcare, and assistive technology provision are critical gaps we must address.
Could you highlight some of your key areas of interest and any impactful projects you have worked on?My areas of interest include health systems strengthening,
disability inclusion, and rehabilitation policy. One impactful initiative I was involved in was the ReLAB-HS project, funded by USAID and led by Johns Hopkins University. Through this project, we co-designed service delivery models with local governments, trained primary healthcare workers on rehabilitation, and worked with policymakers to integrate rehabilitation into national health strategies. Seeing community-level health workers identify and refer people in need of rehabilitation has been a deeply rewarding achievement.
What does an average day in your life look like at Handicap International?
My role blends technical, managerial, and advocacy work. A typical day involves supporting district teams, coordinating with government counterparts, and reviewing program implementation. I also spend time drafting policy briefs, engaging with donors, and working with technical specialists to ensure quality in rehabilitation and assistive technology services. No two days are the same, but each day revolves around advancing access to rehabilitation in Pakistan.
You have two graduate degrees from AKU; why did you choose to study Bioethics, and then Health Policy and Management?
I chose Bioethics because I believe ethical reasoning is at the heart of good clinical and policy decision-making. It gave me a strong foundation to approach sensitive healthcare issues with empathy and clarity. Later, I pursued Health Policy and Management to broaden my ability to influence systems and shape health reforms. Together, these degrees from AKU gave me the tools to bridge patient-centered ethics with system-level policymaking, a combination I use daily in my current work.
From your time at AKU, do you have a favorite moment, anecdote, or incident that is etched in your memory? How would you describe that journey?
AKU was truly transformative for me. One memory that stands out is the rich, thought-provoking classroom discussions 
where people from diverse backgrounds brought unique perspectives to health challenges. That culture of critical inquiry and mutual respect shaped my confidence as a professional. My AKU journey was not just about academics; it was about joining a community that values excellence, compassion, and service.
What aspect of AKU’s environment/values and vision had the most lasting impact on your personal and professional development?
The most lasting impact came from AKU’s emphasis on “relevance to context.” Whether in bioethics or policy, we were encouraged to ground our work in the realities of Pakistan and the Global South. That vision, combining global best practices with local responsiveness, has guided my career. The values of service, ethical leadership, and social responsibility that AKU instilled continue to inspire me in my work today.
Past Alumni Spotlight
