Karachi: The Aga Khan University's Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME) in partnership with the AKU Medical College, has been awarded the AMEE ASPIRE to Excellence Award by the International Association for Health Professions Education. This accolade positions CIME among a select group of institutions recognized by the AMEE's ASPIRE Academy for excellence in simulation-based health professions education.
According to the Aga Khan University, CIME, since its inception in 2017 as Pakistan's first healthcare simulation center, has grown into the largest such center in the country. It is considered one of the most advanced healthcare teaching and learning institutes in Pakistan and East Africa. In 2020, it became the first simulation program in South Asia to receive accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), a US-based organization. The recent ASPIRE Award further solidifies its international standing.
Dr. Faisal Ismail, Regional Director of CIME, expressed that the award represents a significant achievement for both the center and healthcare simulation in Pakistan. He emphasized that this recognition underscores that excellence in simulation-based education transcends geographical and resource constraints, focusing instead on vision, collaboration, and a commitment to healthcare improvement.
The award not only acknowledges the contributions of CIME's faculty, staff, leadership, partners, and learners but also encourages other institutions in Pakistan and similar countries to invest in simulation-based education. Dr. Tania Bubela, Provost of the Aga Khan University, highlighted that the recognition from AMEE aligns with the University's mission to enhance health outcomes in Pakistan and East Africa and reflects the potential for world-class education irrespective of location.
The award was presented to Dr. Faisal Ismail during the AMEE Conference 2026 in Vienna, under the theme "Educators as Catalysts: Building the Future of Health." It underscores CIME's role in advancing simulation-based education and its impact on strengthening health professional training and patient safety.