Dr. Aliya Kemal Ahsan: A Transformative Force in Global Healthcare, Research, and Women’s Empowerment
By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Dr. Aliya Kemal Ahsan stands as an extraordinary figure in modern medicine and leadership, currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Paediatric Cardiology at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Karachi, Pakistan. Holding both an MBBS and a prestigious Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (FCPS) in Paediatrics and Paediatric Cardiology, her academic and clinical foundations are exemplary.
Dr. Ahsan’s career is marked by groundbreaking achievements, notably as the first lady doctor from the province of Sindh, Pakistan, to pursue and attain specialist qualifications in paediatric cardiac imaging in Malaysia. This pioneering endeavor has not only set a new standard for specialized diagnostics in the region but also significantly advanced the capabilities for treating congenital heart conditions. Her global influence is further solidified by her recognition as one of the leading researchers in Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Imaging internationally. She actively engages in collaborative efforts with esteemed paediatric faculty worldwide, driving critical advancements in the field. Her extensive portfolio of impactful research, including recent publications on topics from cerebral abscess in cyanotic congenital heart diseases to the impact of consanguinity, underscores her commitment to evidence-based innovation. Clinically, her expertise shines in interventional procedures for both paediatric and adult congenital/structural heart disease.
Beyond the operating room and research lab, Dr. Ahsan is a powerful voice and strategic leader. She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker at leading international and national cardiac conferences, where her insights shape future directions in cardiology. Her dedication to knowledge dissemination extends to her role as a public speaker for Continuing Medical Education (CME) across mainstream and social media platforms, effectively reaching broader audiences and fostering professional growth.
Her visionary leadership extends across vital sectors. As the Director of the America Pakistan Business Development Forum for Women in Women and Child Healthcare (AMPAK), an organization she has profoundly influenced for years, she is instrumental in fostering international collaborations that enhance healthcare outcomes. Her unwavering dedication to community well-being is evident in her leadership of healthcare initiatives for the Rotary Club, where her efforts translate into impactful public health programs. Dr. Ahsan’s passion for women’s empowerment is equally profound. She serves as Director of Conclave Pakistan for Women Empowerment, championing initiatives that expand opportunities and elevate the role of women in society. Furthermore, as Director of Empower Her Women Cricket League of Pakistan, a groundbreaking initiative by AMPAK’s Evethon 360 Event Planner, she actively promotes female leadership and participation in sports, inspiring a new generation. Her commitment to cardiovascular health awareness, particularly for women, is highlighted by her active membership in the Pakistan Cardiac Society and her involvement with the impactful Go Red for Women campaign.
Dr. Ahsan’s exceptional contributions have garnered significant national acclaim. She was proudly honored with the “Pride of Pakistan” award at Conclave Pakistan, a testament to her profound national impact. Further solidifying her status as a beacon of inspiration, she received the prestigious “Inspirational Women of Pakistan” award, presented by the First Lady of Pakistan at a Rotary event. Earlier, her dedication to child healthcare was recognized with the “Outstanding contributions towards betterment of child-care/PEADS” award at the Biz Today International Business Women Awards on International Women’s Day.
In her personal life, Dr. Aliya Kemal Ahsan embodies a remarkable blend of professional excellence and profound personal devotion. A loving wife and dedicated mother to three beautiful children—two daughters and a son—she masterfully navigates a demanding, high-impact career with a vibrant family life. This extraordinary balance not only enriches her personal journey but also establishes her as a powerful role model and an enduring source of inspiration for countless women across Pakistan and beyond, demonstrating that impactful leadership and a fulfilling family life are not mutually exclusive.
Dr. Ahsan’s multifaceted career, characterized by pioneering medical achievements, influential leadership, cutting-edge research, widespread public engagement, and unwavering commitment to advocacy, all crowned by significant national and international recognition, unequivocally defines her as a truly transformative figure dedicated to shaping a healthier, more equitable future for all.
