By Muhammad Faisal Kaleem
ISLAMABAD: Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) will offer Pakistan’s first-ever 2-year Bariatric MS Programme that said pioneering step towards structured, advanced surgical education in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
The development was announced by Vice Chancellor Dr Tanveer Khaliq. The Executive Director PIMS Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar also supported the idea.
The Town Hall event, hosted by the Pakistan Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (PSMBS) in collaboration with the Treo Foundation (USA), marked a defining moment celebrating courage, leadership, and legacy among Pakistan’s women surgeons.
Conceptualized and led by Dr. Saniea Majid (USA), President of the ASMBS Treo Foundation and Chairperson of the session, the event brought together a distinguished panel of accomplished women surgeons who shared their personal journeys, professional challenges, and visions for the future of surgical leadership in Pakistan.
On the occasion, Prof Rakhshanda Rashid, Prof. Azra A. Ghani, Dr. Zahra Raza, Dr. Erum Najeeb and Dr. Arifa Manzoor shared their views.
Each speaker reflected on the evolution of women in surgery — from breaking stereotypes to mentoring the next generation — emphasizing perseverance, mentorship, and excellence in patient care.
Dr. Saniea Majid stated “every success story in surgery begins with courage — the courage to lead, to teach, and to innovate. Pakistani women surgeons are not only transforming operating rooms but also redefining what leadership in medicine looks like.”
Representing PSMBS, Dr. Aatif Inam Shami lauded the collaboration with the Treo Foundation and the SZABMU initiative:
“This Town Hall symbolizes a new era of inclusivity and recognition. The announcement of the Bariatric MS Programme reflects Pakistan’s growing commitment to surgical innovation, education, and excellence.”
The event concluded with a call for sustained mentorship, collaboration, and leadership opportunities for women in medicine, reinforcing the shared mission of PSMBS, Treo Foundation, and SZABMU to advance diversity, innovation, and excellence in the surgical field.
“Scalpels & Strength” stands as a tribute to every woman who has wielded a scalpel with skill and resilience — inspiring the next generation to lead with confidence, compassion, and conviction.
