The Gen Z Resident: Training in an Age of Pressure & Uncertainty
A thought-provoking session on “The Gen Z Resident: Training in an Age of Pressure and Uncertainty” was conducted by Prof. Shamsa Humayun on 13 May 2026 at The Children’s Hospital & University of Child Health Sciences Lahore. The session explored the unique challenges faced by Gen Z residents in today’s increasingly demanding training environments. The session highlighted how persistent pressure, chronic exhaustion, and uncertainty can contribute to stress and burnout, affecting emotional well-being, professional behaviour, and ultimately patient safety through an increased risk of medical errors. The discussion also focused on practical ways to build healthier training environments, including coping strategies, relaxation techniques, healthy boundaries, and effective communication. Special emphasis was placed on the role of trainers and supervisors in providing empathy, support, and mentorship to help residents navigate the pressures of postgraduate training.
Strengthening Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care in Gilgit-Baltistan:
The MWAP Gilgit-Baltistan Chapter, in collaboration with Tabros Pharma, has launched a structured six-session Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) Course for postgraduate trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The initiative was formally inaugurated with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 14 June 2026. The first two training sessions were successfully conducted on 14 June and 12 July 2026, with 21 postgraduate residents in Obstetrics and Gynaecology participating from teaching institutions across Gilgit-Baltistan. The EmONC course is designed to strengthen clinical knowledge, decision-making, and hands-on skills in the recognition and management of obstetric and neonatal emergencies. With four sessions still to come, this initiative represents an important step towards building sustainable local capacity, strengthening emergency care, and improving maternal and newborn outcomes in Gilgit-Baltistan.
National Policy Dialogue on Strengthening Lactation & Relactation Support
The Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP), in collaboration with the University of Child Health Sciences Lahore (UCHS), successfully organized a National Policy Dialogue on Strengthening Lactation and Relactation Support in Maternal and Child Health, bringing together leading experts and representatives from PPA, APPNA, SOGP, PAFP, UNICEF, and other national organizations.
The dialogue was moderated by Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, President MWAP. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Masood Sadiq, Vice Chancellor UCHS Lahore and President PPA, who emphasized the need for coordinated, evidence-based strategies to strengthen breastfeeding support nationwide.
Keynote perspectives were shared by Prof. Haleema Yasmin, highlighting the role of obstetricians and gynaecologists in antenatal counselling, early breastfeeding support and Golden Hour Audits, and Prof. Junaid Rashid, Dean UCHS/Children’s Hospital Lahore, who emphasized breastfeeding for child survival, nutrition and neurodevelopment, particularly the critical first 30 days of life.
Valuable contributions were made by Prof. Saira Afzal, Prof. Tayyaba Khawar Butt, Prof. Major General Shehla Baqai, Prof. Shakila Zaman, Prof. Khalid Shafi, Prof. Khalid Kamal, Prof. Mohsina Ibrahim, Prof. Ayesha Mahnaz, Prof. Ayesha Humayun, Dr. Mian Tariq, Dr. Kaleem Malhi, Dr. Saba and Ms. Najma from UNICEF, among others. Prof. Aisha Sadiq, President-Elect SOGP, reaffirmed her commitment to making breastfeeding promotion a key priority.
The dialogue emphasized early breastfeeding support, relactation services, Baby-Friendly practices, Golden Hour Audits, healthcare-worker capacity building, family involvement, supportive workplace policies, legislation, community interventions and locally relevant research.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Shamsa and closing remarks by Prof. Sajid Maqbool, with a shared commitment to collaborative action for stronger breastfeeding policies and improved maternal and child health outcomes across Pakistan.
MWAP–PJMS Scholarship Award Ceremony
MWAP, in collaboration with the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences (PJMS), successfully organized the MWAP–PJMS Scholarship Award Ceremony on 13 June 2026 at the UCHS, Lahore. Three outstanding projects were selected for their innovation, relevance, sustainability, and potential to advance women’s empowerment, academic leadership, and professional excellence in healthcare. The winning projects were “The Digital Doctor: A Certificate Course in Digital Professionalism,” led by Prof. Saima Chaudhry, “QALAM: Advancing Scholarly Leadership Among Women Health Professionals in Pakistan,” led by Dr. Noor-i-Kiran Haris, and “Voices Unheard: Awareness, Perception, and Reporting Hesitation Regarding Workplace Harassment among Female Healthcare Professionals,” by Dr. Maleeha Akbar. Prof. Masood Sadiq, Vice Chancellor, UCHS, joined the ceremony as Chief Guest, while Mr. Shaukat Javed, Chief Editor, PJMS, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. The ceremony celebrated the recipients and acknowledged their commitment to creating meaningful change in healthcare education, research, professional wellbeing, and women’s leadership. MWAP extends its heartfelt appreciation to PJMS for supporting and investing in innovative projects led by women healthcare professionals. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities that enable women to lead, innovate, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare in Pakistan.
Continuing Professional Development Activities 2026
Under the leadership of the CPD team Prof. Saima Batool and Dr. Sara Reza, MWAP organized a series of online educational sessions throughout 2026, focusing on digital professionalism, international career pathways, personal wellbeing, and continuous learning.
- 18 April 2026: Click with Care: Digital Professionalism for Healthcare Professionals
Speaker: Dr. Noor-i-Kiran Haris - 16 May 2026: From Pakistan to Pediatric Practice in North America
Speaker: Dr. Safdar Sultan Khan, President, APPNA Pediatrics - 20 June 2026: How to Be a Happier Person
Speaker: Prof. Samina Malik, University of Lahore
In addition, Prof. Salma Kundi, Director KPK MWAP, hosted a weekly webinar series in collaboration with the Pakistan Medical Association, further promoting professional development, networking, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among healthcare professionals.