Shereen Zulfiqar Bhutta

Obstetrician and gynaecologist. Born on Aug 10, 1957 in Peshawar, Pakistan, she died Sept 11, 2022 Toronto, ON, Canada, aged 65 years. Shereen Zulfiqar Bhutta was clear from the start of her career as an obstetrician gynaecologist what intended to accomplish: “She wanted deliver serve communities Pakistan felt needed help most”, said husband, Bhutta, Distinguished University Professor Founding Director Institute for Global Health Development Centre Excellence Women Child at Aga Khan Karachi, Pakistan. From a base Jinnah Postgraduate Medical (JPMC) where eventually rose become Head Department Obstetrics Gynaecology, “developed one best training programmes country”, he said. leaves legacy continued support women newborns Pakistan.” Seemin Jamali, JPMC's former Executive Director, explained: “Women were very close heart”, particularly “women who treated outcasts. She hated that started working these women. led front.” received Bachelor Medicine, Surgery degree then Fatima College Punjab Lahore, 1981. It not long before pivoted obstetrics gynaecology, first Registrar Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore year completing 3-year stint Trainee gynaecology JPMC 1989. is also Co-Director Research Sick Children specialty had always appealed his wife, but shift into field still came surprise. They recently married planning have children. “But our marriage turned everything its head doing obstetrics. did most with young family”, For some went UK. In 1990, worked Gynaecology Wigan Area Authority, named Fellow Physicians Surgeons Karachi same year. became member Royal Obstetricians Gynaecologists (RCOG) London, UK, 1991 and, 2003, RCOG. returned 1991, would rise Senior 2005, Department, position held until retirement 2017. “Her priority improving department”, Haleema Yasmin, now JPMC. instrumental bringing donor upgrade infrastructure department.” That included building two gynaecological wards 180 beds upgrading operating theatre. well connected, used those connections improvement Yasmin fistula clinic hospital time”, Jamali “These outcasts, took it upon herself them.” A patient thoughtful mentor, “worked dutifully teaching training”, Razia Korejo, Bahria Dental Karachi. wholeheartedly improve care.” encouraged trainees faculty members excel all fronts, said, whether “participating international research projects or performing kinds surgeries. empowered us all.” The programme “produced bulk practitioners rural part country south”, Outside family, are biggest legacy.” addition work JPMC, served Safe Motherhood Newborn Committee International Federation Gynecology (FIGO), oversaw reduce maternal mortality Pakistan's Thatta district, National Maternal Neonatal Health. 2009, FIGO award recognition contributions specialty. skilled embroiderer, loved trying new restaurants, travel. survived by their daughter, Afsah, sons, Waqaas Firaas, families. good academician, doctor, human being”, “I yet come across such lovely, warm being.”