Copyright pakobserver
A landmark celebration of women surgeons redefining leadership In a groundbreaking announcement during the “Scalpels & Strength — Pakistani Women Redefining Surgery” Town Hall, here Saturday the Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU) Prof. Dr Tanveer Khaliq , unveiled Pakistan’s first-ever 2-year Bariatric MS Programme — a pioneering step towards structured, advanced surgical education in metabolic and bariatric surgery. Executive Director , PIMS Prof. Dr. Rana Imran Sikandar is one of the supporting voices of the idea. The Town Hall, 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. Panelists included Prof. Rakhshanda Rashid, Prof. Azra A. Ghani, Dr. Zahra Raza, Dr. Erum Najeeb and Dr. Arifa Manzoor. Dr. Nazish Masood was the moderater. 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. In her address, 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, Prof. 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.
