Young SIOP Honoured Shahzadi Resham with the 2024 “Rising Star” Award

Shahzadi Resham, Pediatric Palliative Care Physician in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health and Department of Oncology at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi-Pakistan, was awarded the 2024 Young SIOP “Rising Star” Award.

The Young SIOP “Rising Star” Award is presented each year to a member of the Young SIOP Network who has made notable contributions to the field of pediatric oncology at the beginning of their career. This recognition highlights the impact and potential of emerging leaders in the discipline.

Past Awardees

• 2022: Khaled Ghanem (Syria)
• 2023: Chalinee Monsereenusorn (Thailand)

About Shahzadi Resham

Shahzadi Resham is a distinguished Pediatric Palliative Care Physician, Pediatric Bioethicist, and Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Born and raised in Karachi, she completed her medical education at Sindh Medical College, followed by extensive postgraduate training at Aga Khan University Hospital. Her postgraduate journey includes an internship, a four-year pediatric residency, and a three-year fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

Recognizing a critical gap in pediatric palliative care services in Pakistan, Dr. Resham took the initiative to establish a comprehensive Pediatric Palliative Care program at AKUH and in the surrounding region. She enhanced her expertise through a Global Palliative Care fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which positioned her as a key leader and pioneer in pediatric palliative care within the country and the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Upon returning to Pakistan, Dr. Resham launched a Quality-of-Life service at AKUH, aimed at supporting children with life-limiting illnesses. This innovative program provides a range of services, including inpatient and outpatient consultations, tele-palliative care clinics, and home-based care, ensuring that families receive the support they need during challenging times.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Resham is actively engaged in the field of bioethics, having completed a Pediatric Bioethics Certificate Course at Children Mercy Hospital in Kansas City on an international scholarship. Her training is instrumental in advancing regional palliative care development, making her a pivotal figure in strategic planning and fostering the growth of future pediatric physicians in this vital area. Dr. Resham’s commitment to enhancing pediatric care not only serves the immediate community but also sets a precedent for excellence in pediatric palliative care throughout Pakistan and the broader region.

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