Dr. Zehra Fadoo

(MBBS, Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics, Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology, Fellowship in Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation

Dr. Zehra Fadoo holds the esteemed position of Professor and Chair (The Tajuddin Chatoor Family Endowed Chair) and serves as the Service Line Chief of the Department of Oncology at Aga Khan University Hospital. She has made significant contributions to pediatric oncology, with a focus on acute leukemia, supportive care for pediatric cancer patients, and thalassemia management. Dr. Fadoo has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading national and international high-impact journals.

Her contributions to medical education at AKU have been transformative. In the undergraduate medical program, Dr. Fadoo has served as both Coordinator and Director, playing an instrumental role in shaping the curriculum. Her impact on postgraduate medical education is equally noteworthy. As the former Director of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, she not only developed its curriculum but also guided the program to successful recognition by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan.

Additionally, She is a founding member of the Pakistan Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO) since its inception in 2008 and served as the President of the Pakistan Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO) from 2016 to 2018, further demonstrating her leadership and commitment to advancing pediatric oncology in Pakistan.

Former President

Dr. Asim Belgaumi

(Former Preseident of PSPO) (MBBS, Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric)

Dr. Asim Belgaumi is an accomplished Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist with a distinguished academic and clinical career. He graduated from Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, and subsequently completed his Pediatric Residency at the University of Texas, Houston, followed by a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He began his professional career at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center in Riyadh, where he served as a Consultant in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and held several key administrative roles, including Vice Chair of the Department.

In 2014, Dr. Belgaumi moved to Qatar to serve as Interim Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Sidra Medicine and as Associate Professor in Clinical Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College – Qatar, where he remained until 2017. He then returned to Aga Khan University, Karachi, where he is currently a Professor of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the Medical College, and Chief Medical Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital. His primary areas of interest include childhood leukemias and lymphomas, and he is also trained in Palliative Care, playing a pivotal role in establishing palliative care programs at the institutions where he has worked.

Over the past several years, Dr. Belgaumi has focused on the national and regional development of pediatric cancer care. He is a founding member of the Pakistan Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO) since its inception in 2008 and served as its president from 2018 to 2024. Regionally, he has been actively involved with the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group since 2017, currently serving as its president. Dr. Belgaumi has a deep commitment to research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and has played a crucial role in advancing research education and clinical trial implementation in the region. Since 2019, he has also served as a member of the SIOP Scientific Committee.

Former President

President’s Message

Professor Tariq Ghafoor

Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, Pakistan ·
Paediatrics Professor, MBBS, FCPS (Paeds), FRCP (Ireland), FRCP (Glasgow)

Pakistan Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO) is a professional body working to create awareness about childhood cancer within medical professionals and in the public. Since its inception in October 2009, PSPO has worked to improve treatment outcomes of the children suffering from cancers. The society played a pivotal role in establishing fellowship training in the field of paediatric hematology and oncology in Pakistan.

PSPO is actively involved with WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and has developed and implemented national, standardized care protocols for six common childhood cancers including Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Retinoblastoma, Low Grade Gliomas and Wilms tumor.

The society has also established a centralized data repository and a clinical trials unit under its umbrella to serve childhood cancer care across Pakistan. PSPO and its members have a commitment that every child suffering from cancer should get treatment. Please join hands to achieve this goal and improve childhood cancer care in Pakistan.

Former President

Founder’s Message

Dr. Shamvil

Executive Director Medical Services, Indus Hospital & Health Network | Founder, PSPO

As we continue our journey in advancing pediatric oncology in Pakistan, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the strides we’ve made together. The Pakistan Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO) was founded with a vision to ensure that every child with cancer in our nation receives the highest standard of care, irrespective of their socio-economic background. This vision guides all our efforts as we work to raise awareness about childhood cancer, both within the medical community and the general public.

In our pursuit of this mission, advocacy remains a cornerstone of our work. We strive to influence healthcare policies that prioritize pediatric oncology, ensuring that every child, regardless of their location or financial situation, has access to timely, effective treatment. By advocating for increased government funding, public awareness campaigns, and inclusion of pediatric oncology in national health agendas, we aim to drive meaningful changes that will benefit children across the country.

We are committed to developing national standards for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer, ensuring that our healthcare professionals are equipped with the best practices. By fostering opportunities for specialized training in pediatric oncology and collaborating with educational institutions, we aim to build a strong foundation for future healthcare providers. Our commitment to research and the dissemination of knowledge helps us stay at the forefront of pediatric oncology, contributing to global advancements in the field. Through our advocacy efforts, we also engage with policymakers and other key stakeholders to create sustainable systems that address gaps in cancer care for children in underserved regions.

I urge all members, partners, and stakeholders to continue their relentless pursuit of excellence in pediatric oncology. Let us strengthen our collaborations, innovate in our approaches, and extend our reach to every corner of Pakistan. Together, we can transform the lives of countless children and their families, giving them hope for a brighter, healthier future.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support.

PSPO Founder

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Dr. Zehra Fadoo

(MBBS, Diplomate, American Board of Pediatrics, Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology, Fellowship in Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation

Dr. Asim Belgaumi

(Former Preseident of PSPO) (MBBS, Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric)

President’s Message

Professor Tariq Ghafoor

Founder’s Message

Dr. Shamvil

Executive Director Medical Services, Indus Hospital & Health Network | Founder, PSPO