APPNA MERIT (Medical Education, Research, International Training, and Transfer of Technology) is a standing committee of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), formally established in 2007. Its mission is to enhance healthcare and medical education in Pakistan by leveraging the expertise and commitment of the Pakistani diaspora. MERIT facilitates partnerships with institutions and organizations in Pakistan to build capacity through collaborative, skill-focused initiatives.

With an expanding portfolio of over 20 active projects and collaborations across more than 50 institutions, APPNA MERIT has experienced significant growth—particularly over the past three years. The committee now includes over 17 specialty-focused subcommittees led by experienced professionals in fields such as Cardiology, Neurology, Pulmonary Critical Care, Nephrology, and Nursing Education.

Mission Statement

To improve access to quality healthcare in Pakistan by engaging the Pakistani diaspora in Medical Education, Research, and the Transfer of Information and Technology.

Objectives

  • Develop outcome-based, high-impact online programs using modern teaching methodologies.
  • Strengthen collaboration between diaspora physicians and healthcare stakeholders in Pakistan.
  • Empower diaspora professionals to lead transformative, sustainable healthcare programs.

Origins: APPNA MERIT began as the Medical Education and Research Investment Taskforce (MERIT) in 2006. It was founded by Dr. Naheed Usmani (Founding Chair) and Dr. Shahid Rafiq (Founding Member), with critical support from Dr. Nadeem Kazi. Recognizing the pressing need to support Pakistan’s healthcare system, the initiative evolved into a permanent APPNA committee in 2007.

Key Milestones

  • 2006:
     Diagnostic engagement with Pakistani academic and government healthcare leaders during the APPNA Winter Meeting in Pakistan.
  • 2007:
    Structured program development based on consultations with CPSP, PMDC, HEC, and others.
  • 2008:
    Launch of the Visiting Faculty Program and CME Webinar Series.
    Establishment of APPNA Sukoon for palliative care education.
    Formation of specialty-focused MERITNETs (e.g., Neurology, Dermatology).
    Collaboration with KEMU for medical curriculum reform.
  • 2009:
    CPSP approval of new fellowships in Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, and  Pediatric ,Hematology-Oncology.
    Launch of the APPNA MERIT e-Teaching initiative.
  • 2015–2017:
    Formation of the Telemedicine Task Force and a network of over 200 consultants.
    Launch of the Child Psychiatry Fellowship and Adult Psychiatry Certification with Dow University.

Ongoing: Partnerships with the Pakistan Psychiatric Society, APPNA Women’s
Council, and numerous Pakistani medical universities.

2025 Committee

Chairs:
● Saad Usmani, MD
● Sadiq Naveed, MD

Co-Chairs:
● Umna Ashfaq, MD
● Tahir Pal, MD

Members:

  • Mohammed Zeeshan, MD
  • Atiya Haroon, MD
  • Muhammad Aslam, MD
  • Shazia Savul, MD
  • Naureen Rafiq, MD
  • Aamir Ehsan, MD
  • Tayyib Rana, MD
  • Mohammad Sanaullah, MD
  • Danish Bhatti, MD
  • Shahid Rafiq, MD
  • Nauman Ashraf, MD
  • Babar Rao, MD
  • Wajeeha Razaq, MD
  • Syed Uzair, MD
  • Faiz Anwar, MD

    Past Leadership
    2024 Chair: Sadiq Naveed, MD
    2023 Chair: Taimoor Khan, MD | Co-Chair: Shahid Rafiq, MD
    2020–2022 Chair: Danish Bhatti, MD | Co-Chairs: Shahid Rafiq, MD · Babar Rao, MD · Taimoor Khan, MD · Mariyam Ghaffar, MD

    Subcommittees
    APPNA MERIT is organized into over 17 active subcommittees with 70+ members leading domain-specific projects. Areas of focus include:

  • Family Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry & Addiction
  • Pulmonary & Critical Care
  • Dermatology
  • Nephrology
  • HIV Medicine
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Perinatal Medicine
  • Nursing & Nursing Education
  • Research
  • Education
  • Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
  • BLS/ACLS Training
  • Student Engagement

About APPNA AcademyAPPNA Academy offers a diverse portfolio of high-quality online courses ranging from brief skill workshops to year-long fellowships. Developed by academic physicians from leading North American institutions, these programs are aimed at medical students, trainees, and practicing physicians seeking to expand their clinical competencies.

Featured Courses:

  • Online Fellowship in Stroke and Vascular Neurology (2023–2025)
  • Psychiatry Online Certification Course
  • Addiction & Geriatric Psychiatry Certification
  • HIV Certification Course
  • Basic & Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS/ACLS)
  • Point of Care Ultrasound Training
  • Healthcare Research Webinar Series
  • APPNA Advanced Leadership Course
  • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
  • EKG & Rhythm Interpretation Masterclass
  • APPNA CME of the Month

Explore APPNA Academy

 

APPNA MERIT hosts live and recorded educational sessions by expert diaspora physicians on a variety of topics. These are attended by faculty and students across dozens of Pakistani medical universities.

 

 

The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), through its MERIT Committee, is pleased to launch the APPNA Speakers Bureau, connecting 150+ expert physicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders with institutions across Pakistan. This program offers free lectures, seminars, and workshops delivered virtually or in-person during visiting
faculty trips—aimed at enhancing medical education, supporting faculty development, and
strengthening healthcare delivery.
Please fill out the request form to make a request: https://bit.ly/invite-speakers

Want to be part of APPNA Speakers Bureau?
Are you passionate about medical education and eager to share your knowledge?
We are building a network of speakers to deliver educational lectures and workshops on a variety of topics relevant to the APPNA membership and Physicians in Pakistan. These sessions can be conducted virtually, making participation accessible for everyone, or even in- person when you’re visiting Pakistan.
By joining our Speaker Database:

  • You’ll have the opportunity to share your expertise with a diverse audience.
  • You’ll contribute to ongoing medical education within the Pakistani community.
  • We’ll connect you with program opportunities that align with your interests and specialties.
    It’s easy to join! Simply complete our brief online form by clicking the link below:
    https://bit.ly/appna-speakers
    By completing this form, you will be included in our database and considered for upcoming programs that align with your areas of interest and expertise.
  • Email: merit@appna.org
  •  Website: https://appna.org/merit
  • Facebook Page: MERIT APPNA
  • Facebook Group: Join the Discussion
  • YouTube: APPNA MERIT Channel
  • WhatsApp Group: Email us to join
  • Signup for Updates: Constant Contact Signup