A small introduction

About Us

At Aga Khan University (AKU), we are dedicated to providing world-class medical care, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive education in the field of orthopedic surgery. Our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals is committed to improving patient outcomes through innovative techniques, collaborative efforts, and a patient-centered approach.

Let us introduce ourselves

Clinical Excellence

We offer specialized services in various orthopedic disciplines, including:

  • Ilizarov Surgery: Pioneering limb lengthening and deformity correction techniques.
  • Orthopedic Oncology: Managing complex musculoskeletal tumors with advanced surgical interventions.
  • Primary and Revision Joint Replacement Surgery: Providing comprehensive care for joint replacement patients, from initial surgery to complex revisions.
  • Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma: Delivering expert care for challenging pelvic and acetabular injuries with innovative surgical techniques.

How it all came to be…

Education and Training

Our commitment to education is reflected in our extensive teaching and training programs. We organize workshops, courses, and seminars to enhance the skills and knowledge of medical students, residents, and practicing surgeons. By fostering a culture of learning and mentorship, we ensure that our trainees are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern orthopedic practice.

Research and Innovation

At AKU, we are at the forefront of orthopedic research, continually seeking to develop new treatments and improve existing ones. Our research efforts focus on enhancing surgical outcomes, understanding disease mechanisms, and exploring innovative approaches to patient care. By collaborating with national and international institutions, we contribute valuable insights to the global orthopedic community.

Community Engagement

We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Through outreach programs, public education initiatives, and free medical camps, we aim to improve access to quality healthcare and raise awareness about orthopedic conditions and treatments.

DISTINCTIONS

Our commitment to excellence in orthopedic care, education, and research has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. Here are some of the distinguished accolades received by Dr. Masood Umer and our team:

  • Best Resident Paper Award at the International Conference of the Pakistan Orthopedic Association in Multan (November 1995).
    • Title: Use of External Fixator and Bone Grafting in Unstable Fractures of the Distal Radius
    • Authors: Masood Umer, Muhammad Umar
  • Best Resident Paper Award at the 2nd joint conference of OASAC, SICOT, ASAMI, and XVI ORTHOCON in Karachi (2002).
    • Title: Non-union of Humeral Diaphysis
    • Authors: Sharjeel Asif, Masood Umer, Muhammad Umar
  • Best Consultant Paper Award at the International Conference of the Pakistan Orthopedic Association in Faisalabad (January 2003).
    • Title: Reversal of Methotrexate-induced Suppression of Linear Growth in Mice with Folinic Acid
    • Authors: Masood Umer, Naseema Mehboob Ali, Mahmood Ahmed, Pervaiz Iqbal
  • Faculty Development Award (US $5000) awarded by the Aga Khan Hospital for professional development in the field of orthopedic oncology (March 2004).
  • Faculty Development Award (US $6000) awarded by the Aga Khan Hospital for fellowship in orthopedic oncology at the Rizzoli Institute, Bologna, Italy (March 2007).
  • Best Conference Organizer Award awarded by the Pakistan Orthopedic Association (2014).
  • Best Surgeon Award awarded by the Department of Surgery (2018).

(For Teaching and Training)

DISTINCTIONS

  • APOA Japan Visiting Fellowship 2002: Selected as one of two APOA Japan Visiting Fellows from amongst 22 applicants from 6 countries. This fellowship was awarded with a fellowship grant of 330,000 Japanese Yen.
  • External Examiner Appointment: Appointed as an External Examiner for the FCPS Part II examination in 2012.
  • Paper Setter Appointment: Appointed as Paper Setter for the FCPS Part II exam by CPSP in July 2013.
  • Outstanding Teacher Award: Received the Outstanding Teacher Award at the AKU Convocation in 2015.

Innovations in Education

a. Summary of Student Evaluations and Awards Received for Teaching

Our commitment to education is reflected in the high ratings received in student evaluations, which are documented in my dossier. These evaluations showcase the positive impact and effectiveness of our teaching methods and dedication to student success.

b. Innovation

Our efforts to innovate in the field of education have led to the creation and implementation of various forums, associations, and events aimed at enhancing learning and professional development:

  • AKU Metabolic Bone Disease Forum: Established a multi-disciplinary clinical forum that includes inputs from chemical pathology, radiology, and rheumatology. This monthly meeting facilitates case discussions and lectures, promoting a comprehensive understanding of metabolic bone diseases.
  • Association of Metabolic Bone Research and Education Pakistan (AMBRE-PAK): Founded a national-level, multi-disciplinary association aimed at achieving common goals in metabolic bone research and education.
  • Annual Meetings of the Department of Surgery:
    • Second Annual Meeting: Chaired the ‘Surgical Innovations for the Developing World’ conference, which featured over 15 international and more than 70 national faculty members. The full manuscript publication of conference abstracts was published in the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association (JPMA).
    • Third Annual Meeting: Chaired the ‘Surgical Oncology – Evidence & Practice’ conference, which included over 25 international and more than 60 national faculty members. The conference abstracts were published in the International Journal of Surgery (IJS) Short Reports.
  • OrthoCon 2021:
    • Successfully conducted over 30 webinars on various orthopedic issues in 2020.
    • Completed a JPMA Conference supplement with approximately 25 manuscripts in 2020.
  • Workshops:
    • Conducted a series of nine manuscript writing workshops in different cities across Pakistan in 2019 and 2020, providing valuable training and support for researchers and practitioners.