Karachi: The Aga Khan University's Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME), in collaboration 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 for their excellence in simulation-based health professions education as part of AMEE's ASPIRE Academy.

According to the Aga Khan University, CIME, since its inception in 2017 as Pakistan's premier healthcare simulation center, has grown into the largest facility of its kind in the country. It is considered the most advanced healthcare teaching and learning institute in Pakistan and East Africa. In 2020, CIME achieved a significant milestone by becoming South Asia's first simulation program accredited by the US-based Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). The recent ASPIRE Award marks another major international benchmark for the institution.

Dr. Faisal Ismail, Regional Director of CIME, South Asia, emphasized the significance of the award as a milestone for healthcare simulation in Pakistan, highlighting that excellence in simulation-based education transcends geography and resources, relying instead on vision, collaboration, and a strong commitment to healthcare improvement.

The award underscores the dedication of CIME's faculty, staff, leadership, partners, and learners in promoting simulation as a tool for education, patient safety, and health systems strengthening across Pakistan. It serves as an encouragement for other institutions in Pakistan and similar regions to invest in simulation-based education.

Dr. Tania Bubela, Provost of the Aga Khan University, noted that the recognition from AMEE aligns with the University's mission to enhance health outcomes across Pakistan and East Africa, reflecting their commitment to world-class health professions education.

The ASPIRE Award was presented to Dr. Faisal Ismail during the AMEE Conference 2026 in Vienna, held under the theme "Educators as Catalysts: Building the Future of Health." The award signifies CIME's contributions to advancing simulation-based health professions education in Pakistan, highlighting the increasing importance of simulation in strengthening health professional training and patient safety.