Conference Proceedings
APPIC Annual Conference 2025
“Connect, Learn, Lead”
August 2–3, 2025 | Toronto, Canada
Organized by: Association of Pakistani Physicians in Canada (APPIC)
Day 1 CME– Saturday, August 2, 2025
Opening Session
The conference opened with a land acknowledgment by Dr. Maria Salman, followed by a moment of silence in solidarity with healthcare workers in Gaza and Ukraine. Dr. Rukhsana Abdullah, Dr. Akhter Hamid, and Dr. Ashfaq Shuaib welcomed attendees. Dr. Abdullah detailed conference logistics, and Dr. Hamid highlighted the accredited CME program (7.0 Mainpro+® credits), featuring AI in childcare, stroke innovations, and workshops. The welcome notes were followed by a Quran recitation by Amar Zia (biomedical engineer/Hafiz).
Morning Presentations
Prof. Rayaz Ahmed Malik (Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar)
Prof. Malik’s keynote speech on “The Eye is the Window to the Soul and Beyond” focused on the diagnostic and prognostic utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. He demonstrated CCM’s ability to predict diabetic neuropathy 5+ years in advance (80% risk if nerve density <14 mm/mm²) and differentiate subtypes of Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and HIV neuropathy with 95–100% accuracy. Integrating AI algorithms, CCM analyzed 2,400+ nerve patterns to detect dementia progression and long COVID neuropathy. Dr. Malik showcased CCM’s role in monitoring nerve regeneration post-pancreas transplant and during GLP-1 agonist therapy (e.g., semaglutide), revealing nerve repair independent of glucose control. While current CCM systems cost thousands of dollars, he concluded by announcing a collaboration with Pakistani engineers to develop affordable devices (<$50), aiming to democratize global access.
Dr. Sara Ahmed (McMaster University)
Dr. Ahmed’s talk on “Obesity Management: Nuances & Pitfalls Pertaining to South Asians” addressed the obesity epidemic in South Asians, attributing elevated cardiometabolic risks to a genetic legacy, the "thrifty gene", that promotes visceral adiposity at lower BMIs (≥23 kg/m²). She revealed alarming statistics: diabetes onset occurs 10 years earlier than in Caucasians, with a 2× higher CVD risk despite "normal" BMI classifications. To combat this, she emphasized that standard BMI cutoffs often underestimate metabolic risk in this group and advocated for waist circumference as a better indicator, urging intervention for waist circumferences >90 cm (men) or 85 cm (women) combined with BMI ≥23. She recommended prioritizing culturally adapted strategies: replacing ghee and refined grains with protein-rich traditional foods (e.g., lentils), prescribing GLP-1 agonists (tirzepatide achieved 15.7% weight loss and 55% apnea reduction in trials), and establishing community-based yoga/walking groups. Her talk also debunked myths around GLP-1 agonists and thyroid cancer, reinforcing their safety and utility in select patients. Dr. Ahmed underscored systemic barriers, noting that obesity medications cost $300–$1,300/month, and demanded policy reforms for subsidized access.
Dr. Hammad Rafay (Trillium Health Partners)
Dr. Rafay’s speech on “OSA: A Focused Review and Update” redefined sleep apnea treatment through endotype-based phenotyping, distinguishing between anatomical (60% of cases, involving airway collapse) and non-anatomical subtypes (40%, including low arousal threshold and unstable ventilatory control). For anatomical cases, he emphasized CPAP or mandibular devices as first-line interventions. Non-anatomical phenotypes required targeted approaches: acetazolamide to stabilize breathing in low-arousal patients and supplemental oxygen for erratic CO₂ responders. Critiquing the SAVE trial for excluding symptomatic patients and limited CPAP compliance, Dr. Rafay highlighted that while overall results were neutral about CPAP benefits, subgroup analyses showed a 52% reduction in stroke/MI among patients who used CPAP >4 hours per night. He highlighted the severe cardiovascular implications of untreated apnea, notably a 75% increased atrial fibrillation risk due to cardiac remodeling and a 2.5× higher CVD mortality linked to hypoxic burden (>3% oxygen dips per event). He underscored the importance of tailoring screening tools to Asian phenotypes, where patients may present without classic obesity markers. Concluding with future directions, he advocated integrating "endo-phenotyping" algorithms into cardiology clinics and combining drug therapies (e.g., desipramine) with CPAP for precision management in diverse patient populations.
Dr. Jawaid Younus (Medical Oncologist, VFCC, Ontario)
Dr. Younus’ session on “Navigating Breast Cancer Care: Family Physicians to Oncologist and Back” addressed breast cancer management from risk stratification to survivorship. Risk assessment utilizes validated models (e.g., Gail, IBIS) to categorize patients as average (12.5% lifetime risk), moderate (15–20%), or high-risk (>20%, e.g., BRCA+). Screening follows risk-adapted protocols: biennial mammography for ages 40–74 (USPSTF), with MRI supplementation for high-risk individuals. Treatment pathways include neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced/ TNBC/ Her2+ disease, surgery (lumpectomy/mastectomy), and adjuvant radiation/endocrine therapy. Survivorship care emphasizes individualized screening, bone health monitoring (particularly with aromatase inhibitors), weight management, exercise (associated with 50% recurrence reduction), and alcohol moderation. He addressed the complexity of care coordination for breast cancer patients transitioning between family physicians and oncologists, and mapped key communication gaps, and proposed collaborative care models. He stressed the importance of early involvement of primary care in cancer decision-making and the need for shared electronic records.
Dr. Shafiq Fatima Akbar (University of Alberta)
Dr. Akbar’s session on “Are You Smarter than a Rheumatologist?” was an interactive, case-based presentation in which Dr. Akbar engaged the audience through quizzes dividing the audience in two teams and addressed the diagnostic dilemmas in rheumatology. She discussed the nuances of overlapping autoimmune syndromes, highlighted atypical presentations of connective tissue disorders, and emphasized the role of clinical intuition alongside lab testing. Her session underscored the need for continual learning and a high index of suspicion in early-stage disease.
Dr. Muhammad Mamdani (Unity Health Toronto)
Dr. Muhammad Mamdani’s session, "Applied Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" explored how AI can reduce clinicians’ cognitive load, improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and communication, reduce rehospitalization, flag high-risk patients, and assist in medication reconciliation. He presented real-world examples, such as AI scribes freeing up 3–4 hours weekly for patient care and significant reductions in hypoglycemia and misdiagnoses. The talk underscored that AI is not a replacement but a support tool to enhance decision-making and improve outcomes across diverse healthcare settings. He explored the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical practice, drawing on projects from pharmacovigilance and hospital operations. While endorsing AI’s potential, he also raised ethical concerns regarding algorithmic bias, and emphasized the importance of governance frameworks for health data use, bias assessment, clinical validation, silent testing, and ongoing monitoring. He also discussed the concerns raised by audience regarding data being collected in high income countries and applied in low income countries without context.
Dr. Richard Mimeault (CMPA)
Dr. Richard Mimeault’s session, "Challenging Clinical Encounters and Practical Management Strategies" emphasized how effective communication enhances patient safety and trust. He discussed the importance of creating clear workplace policies, ensuring consistent application, and minimizing communication barriers such as unclear language or physical obstructions. He introduced the FIFE (Feelings, Ideas, Function, Expectations) and HEART (Hear, Empathize, Apologize, Respond, Thank) models as core tools to understand patient perspectives and repair strained interactions. He also outlined approaches to manage escalating conflict, including naming unacceptable behavior, documenting encounters, and when necessary terminating the doctor-patient relationship safely and ethically, in compliance with regulatory standards. He examined medico-legal risks in complex clinical encounters, particularly around communication breakdown, missed diagnoses, and inadequate documentation. He encouraged practitioners to adopt structured communication strategies (e.g., SBAR), engage in shared decision-making, and thoroughly document uncertainty and follow-up plans.
Afternoon Presentations
Dr. Nazia Niazi
Dr. Nazia’s speech on “Beyond the Binary: Best Practices for Gender-Affirming Healthcare” presented evidence-based recommendations for adopting gender-inclusive language in healthcare settings. Some recommendations were replacing gendered terminology with anatomy-specific descriptors (e.g., "persons with a cervix/prostate") and patient-affirmed language for bodily structures. Clinicians should proactively establish inclusive environments and prioritize individual anatomy over legal sex markers when determining care. Key terminology updates include "assigned female/male at birth," "cisgender," "chestfeeding," and anatomically precise terms for conditions and procedures (e.g., "monthly bleeding," "sexual health screening"). Implementation fosters respectful, accurate, and individualized care for gender-diverse populations.
Dr. Naveed Rizvi (Western University)
Dr. Naveed’s talk on “Social Media and Youth Mental Health: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” focused on the intersection of social media and youth mental health, exploring both harm and therapeutic potential in adolescent populations. Social media (SM) use is pervasive among youth (95% smartphone access; 46% online "almost constantly"). While offering developmental benefits; social connection, identity exploration, and creative expression, problematic SM correlates with heightened anxiety, depression (3× increased suicidal ideation post-cyberbullying), sleep disruption, academic underachievement, and behavioral addiction. Risks escalate beyond 7+ hours/day. Evidence-based mitigation strategies include modeling healthy digital habits; coaching youth on digital literacy/privacy; setting screen-time boundaries; parental supervision (balanced with privacy); and early intervention for emotional/behavioral red flags. Collaborative efforts are essential to maximize benefits and minimize harm in this entrenched digital landscape.
Dr. Naeem Zafar (PAHCHAAN, PPA, PAFEC; speaker from Pakistan)
Dr. Naeem’s talk, “PAHCHAAN Khushhal Khandan Program”, focused on child protection and strengthening family wellbeing through advocacy and education. His speech addressed Pakistan’s critical maternal/child health challenges, where under-5 mortality (86/1,000), stunting (up to 52% regionally), and neonatal mortality (42–54/1,000) persist. Focusing on the first 1,000 days (prenatal to age 2), a period constituting 85% of brain growth, PAHCHAAN establishes community-based Mother and Child Health Promotion Centers. These provide antenatal/postnatal care, malnutrition management, vaccinations, parenting guidance, and referrals for ~30,000–100,000 residents per site. Operational metrics show tangible improvements: breastfeeding rates rose from 35% to 83%, and vaccination coverage increased from 61% to 86% at Saggian Centre (2023–2025). At $34,300 per center, the model demonstrates scalable primary care to reduce mortality, disability, and stunting.
Poster Presentations & AGM
The afternoon session featured poster presentations by emerging researchers from Canada and beyond, announcements of winners, and the APPIC Annual General Meeting (AGM) chaired by Drs. Ashfaq Shuaib and Mubeen Rafay. The AGM outlined strategic priorities, membership growth, and committee expansions. The assembly approved renewable 3-year terms for Directors and established a 5-year transition for founding Directors to a Board of Trustees for advisory oversight. Membership amendments included reduced-fee voting membership for residents/trainees and formal inclusion of allied health professionals, prompting an organizational rename to include allied health categories in future. The poster summaries are shared below:
Title: Masked and Missed: Sex Differences in Autism and Their Impact on Clinical Care
Presenter: Dr. Oneeb Khan (Pakistani American Psychiatric Association of North America)
Summary: A review of 39 studies found females are diagnosed with autism 1.5–2 years later than males or remain undiagnosed due to male-biased diagnostic tools and social masking (camouflaging symptoms). Females exhibit stronger adaptive functioning but higher rates of internalizing disorders (e.g., anxiety), while males display externalizing behaviors leading to earlier referrals. Addressing diagnostic disparities requires female-inclusive criteria and personalized assessment protocols.Title: Alcohol Consumption, Harms, and Interventions Among Older Adults: Implications for Policy and Practice
Presenter: Nayab Gohar (Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington)
Summary: Analysis of regional hospitalization data (2018–2020) identified falls as the primary alcohol-related harm in adults 65+, constituting 89.7% of visits and costing $1.3M. Contributing factors include social isolation, retirement, and polypharmacy. Recommendations emphasize routine AUDIT-C screening, provider education on age-sensitive interventions, and integrated care models addressing physiological vulnerabilities (e.g., reduced alcohol metabolism).Title: Role of Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata
Presenter: Hira Mohsin (King's College London, UK)
Summary: A literature review of RCTs and case studies shows JAK inhibitors (e.g., Tofacitinib) achieve ≥50% hair regrowth in 32–77% of moderate-severe AA patients. However, >80% relapse within 2–3 months post-treatment, necessitating maintenance therapy. Long-term safety concerns include infection risk and malignancy. Despite this, JAK inhibitors outperform placebos and topical therapies, offering a breakthrough for refractory AA.Title: Advancements in AI in Ophthalmology to Detect/Grade Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Presenter: Muhammad Mazin Kashif (University College Cork)
Summary: Meta-analysis of 20 studies (2011–2021) revealed AI models detect DR with 91.1% sensitivity and 90.39% specificity, rivaling clinicians. Subgroup analysis showed higher accuracy with color fundus photography vs. OCT. Heterogeneity stemmed from algorithm variations (e.g., CNNs) and dataset biases. AI shows promise for scalable screening but requires standardized validation for real-world deployment.Title: Painting Insanity Black
Presenter: Areesha Pannu (University of Buckingham Medical School)
Summary: Black individuals are disproportionately diagnosed with psychotic disorders due to systemic biases, including racial stereotyping, socioeconomic stressors, and clinician misinterpretation of cultural expressions, rather than genetic factors. The study advocates for anti-racist training in psychiatry and culturally competent diagnostic frameworks to mitigate disparities.Title: Evaluating Confidence Among Irish GPs in Neurological Disorder Evaluation & Appetite for Training
Presenter: Momin Kashif (University College Cork)
Summary: A national survey of 200–500 Irish GPs assesses confidence in managing conditions like TIA, MS, and epilepsy. Inspired by UK data (84% of GPs sought neurology training), it identifies knowledge gaps, barriers to education (e.g., time constraints), and preferences for micro-learning modules to improve early diagnosis and referral accuracy.Title: Bridging the Gap: Optimizing Preterm Infant Growth Post-NICU via Multidisciplinary Care
Presenter: Kasthoori Krishnagopal (Palacký Univ.), Raksha Manoharan (Med. Univ. of Pleven)
Summary: Retrospective analysis of 1,492 preterm infants at KidsTrust Pediatrics (2022–2025) found that coordinated care (pediatricians, dietitians, lactation consultants) post-discharge maintained growth trajectories (weight/length/HC). Electronic records confirmed reduced failure-to-thrive rates, validating this model as a scalable solution for continuity of care in community settings.Title: Audit of Referral Patterns in Older Adult Liaison Psychiatry
Presenter: Raza Haque (Delta Hospital)
Summary: An audit of 150 referrals identified critical omissions: 40% lacked medication history, 60% omitted prior interventions. Incomplete data delayed assessments by 48 hours on average. Implementing standardized templates improved information completeness by 75%, facilitating timely, collaborative geriatric psychiatric care.Title: The Skin-Breath Connection: Atopic Dermatitis & Pediatric Respiratory Infections
Presenter: Temisia Van Biljouw, Manasvi (KidsTrust Research Lab)
Summary: Systematic review of 15 studies (2014–2022) linked eczema in under-fives to 5.62× higher recurrent wheezing odds and increased asthma risk post-bronchiolitis. Immune dysregulation (e.g., elevated RSV IgG) and environmental factors drive severity. Non-RSV infections showed stronger associations, urging pathogen-specific prevention strategies.Title: Breaking the Bottleneck: Lab Turnaround Time’s Impact on ED Length of Stay
Presenter: Zainab Khan (University of Guelph), Arooj Malik (Xavier University school of medicine)
Summary: Meta-analysis correlates delayed lab processing (e.g., >60 mins for chemistry) with 2.3× longer ED stays. Key bottlenecks: manual transport (32% delay), processing errors (18%). Evidence supports point-of-care testing (reduces TAT by 45%) and pneumatic tube systems to alleviate overcrowding.Title: Association of Lifestyle Factors with Lean Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pakistani Population based Case-Control Study
Presenter: Syeda Sarah Jafri (BMY Health)
Summary: Women with lean PCOS were more likely to report stress affecting daily activities and sleep disturbances. They had higher poor lifestyle scores, were less refreshed upon waking, and took more daytime naps. A higher composite poor lifestyle score was observed in cases (mean: 6.56 vs. 5.96, p = 0.009), suggesting significantly unhealthier lifestyle patterns. Stress impacting daily routine (OR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.99–6.57)) and not feeling refreshed upon waking (OR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.44–4.95) were strong predictors of lean PCOS.Title: Can Stunted Growth in Children 6–12 Years Be Reversed?
Presenter: Atchaya Arulchelvan (Univ. of Buckingham; Univ. of Toronto)
Summary: Systematic review of 7 trials demonstrated protein-micronutrient supplements increased height-for-age Z-scores by 0.32 SD (3.2–6.1 cm). School-based programs (WASH + parental education) reduced stunting prevalence by 20.3%. Context-specific integration of nutrition and social interventions is critical for catch-up growth.Title: Perceptions of Caffeine Among GTHA High School Students
Presenter: Ali Hamid, Daniel Sabr (KidsTrust Research Lab)
Summary: Survey of 500+ students found 97.2% consumed caffeine daily, primarily via coffee (68%) and energy drinks (24%). Over 80% exceeded AAP limits (>100mg/day), citing academic stress (73%) and fatigue (65%) as drivers. Recommendations include school policies restricting energy drink sales and mental health-focused coping workshops.Title: Non-Pharmacological Interventions for ADHD Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review
Presenter: Muhammad Abdul Manan Mangral, PAPANA -USA
Summary:
This review of 20 high-quality studies identifies strong evidence for behavioral therapies (CBT, psychoeducation), exercise (notably improving inhibition/cognitive flexibility), and neurofeedback in managing ADHD symptoms. Moderate support exists for mindfulness, nutritional interventions (e.g., omega-3), parental training, and classroom strategies. Digital therapeutics show promise but require further validation. Future integration needs standardized protocols and long-term efficacy studies.Title: Enhancing Treatment Outcomes in Bipolar Disorder with Aripiprazole LAIs
Presenter: Filzha Naseem, Independent Researcher, Canada
Summary: Long-acting injectable aripiprazole demonstrates strong efficacy in relapse prevention for bipolar disorder, particularly in patients with poor adherence or comorbid substance use. A PubMed search (2014–2024) yielded 150 review articles; 20 high-quality reviews were included. The Two-Injection Start regimen enabled rapid initiation without oral overlap. Extended dosing improved adherence, and the safety profile was favorable, with akathisia as the most common side effect.Title: Think Before You Toss: A Quality Improvement Initiative in Emergency Waste Handling
Presenter: Dr. Faizan Akram, Dr. Aimen Iqbal (Wah Medical College, NUMS, PK)
Summary: This QI project at a tertiary hospital ED targeted gaps in medical waste management among healthcare workers. Pre-intervention audits revealed deficiencies in workshop attendance (60%), protocol adherence (55%), and hepatitis B vaccination (75%). Interventions included mandatory training, standardized waste segregation protocols, and vaccination drives. Post-implementation, awareness reached 99%, vaccination coverage 100%, and proper waste handling improved by 40–45%, demonstrating that sustained education and accountability frameworks enhance safety and sustainability.Title: The Impact of AI-Powered Clinical Decision Support Systems on Clinical Decision Making and Treatment Quality
Presenters: Dr. Fatima Khurshid (Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad)Summary: This systematic review (32 studies) shows AI-driven CDSS using CNNs and SVMs significantly improve diagnostic accuracy, enable earlier interventions, and personalize treatments across medical specialties. Key barriers include data privacy risks, clinician training gaps, and ethical concerns like algorithmic bias. While transformative, successful implementation demands addressing these challenges. Future research must prioritize long-term outcomes and ethically sound scaling strategies.
Day 2 CME Workshops – Sunday, August 3, 2025
C.H.A.M.P.S – C.H.A.M.P.S – Comprehensive Hands-on Assessment and Management of Pediatrics through Simulation- Dr. Jabeen Fayyaz, Dr. Akhter Hamid
This workshop delivered a comprehensive framework for rapid assessment of critically ill children using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) and ABCDE approach, emphasizing early recognition of respiratory failure, shock, and CNS/metabolic dysfunction. Through case-based learning, participants applied PAT components (Appearance, Breathing, Circulation) to stratify acuity (e.g., stable, respiratory distress, cardiopulmonary failure) and prioritize interventions. Key pitfalls (e.g., fatigue masking severity, cerebral depression) and age-specific vital sign norms were highlighted. The second segment showcased the integration of simulation via the SimKIDS program (SickKids Hospital), demonstrating its role in enhancing pediatric emergency skills through immersive scenarios, task trainers, and interdisciplinary team training. Innovations in resource-limited settings ("jugaad") were featured, including low-cost simulators (e.g., cricothyroidotomy trainers, modified lumbar puncture models) developed by the Pakistan-based simulation team. Data revealed significant knowledge translation: 100% of EM residents endorsed simulation’s necessity, with improved OSCE scores (74% meeting/exceeding expectations) and TEAM leadership metrics post-training. The workshop concluded with global applications, including Pakistan’s National Trauma Resuscitation Program and the Pediatric Trauma Resuscitation Manual.
Moving Beyond CBT Struggles – How ACT Enhances Patient Care - Interactive Session- Dr. Saima Waheed Khan
Facilitated by Dr. Khan, this session introduced clinicians to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, with a focus on experiential techniques. This session contrasted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) limitations, including emotional avoidance, homework fatigue, and struggles with "true but unhelpful" thoughts with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)’s focus on psychological flexibility. Dr. Khan introduced the ACT Tri-Flex Model (Acceptance, Anchor, Action) to address misalignment between values and behaviors, emphasizing workability over symptom elimination. Participants practiced the Wheel of Feeling for emotional recognition, Dropping Anchor (ACE) for grounding during distress (Acknowledge, Connect, Engage), and values exploration to guide committed action. Original insights from "Dr. Eskay’s Lens" reframed emotions as transient experiences (e.g., "emotions as children needing boundaries") and demonstrated ACT’s efficacy in obesity, chronic illness, and complex trauma.
Migraine Management Workshop: Case-Based Workshop and Procedural Interventions- Dr. Tasjeel Ansari
Dr. Tasjeel Ansari provided a practical overview of migraine diagnostics, pharmacologic strategies, and procedural techniques such as nerve blocks. His workshop addressed evidence-based migraine management, emphasizing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathophysiology and targeted therapies. Acute treatment strategies included triptans (efficacy, contraindications) and newer gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant), highlighting advantages in cardiovascular safety, prodrome treatment, and avoidance of medication-overuse headache. Case studies illustrated gepant use in triptan failure, contraindications, and side effects. Preventive approaches featured CGRP monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, galcanezumab) and atogepant, per 2024 Canadian Headache Society guidelines. Interventional options covered peripheral nerve blocks (greater/lesser occipital, auriculotemporal) for acute/rescue therapy and onabotulinumtoxin A for chronic migraine, detailing injection protocols and evidence. A "traffic light" algorithm guided acute treatment escalation.
I Spy with My Little DERMATOSCOPE - Dr. Saadia Hameed Jan
Dr. Saadia Hameed Jan led a hands-on session on using dermatoscopes for evaluating common skin lesions, enhancing diagnostic confidence. Her workshop introduced dermoscopy as a vital tool for skin lesion evaluation, detailing device mechanics (polarized vs. non-polarized light), cost considerations ($350–$1000), and selection criteria. Evidence highlighted its diagnostic superiority over naked-eye examination, with meta-analysis showing 15.6x higher melanoma detection (95% CI 2.5–8.57) and a 42% reduction in unnecessary excisions. The session emphasized practical algorithms, particularly the 3-point checklist (asymmetry, atypical network, blue-white structures) for triage by non-experts, achieving 96.3% sensitivity after minimal training. Case-based learning reinforced contextual factors (history, "ugly duckling" sign) and technical pearls (photo documentation, e-consults). Resource recommendations included gamified apps (YouDermoscopy) and pattern recognition exercises.
Acknowledgements
Conference Planning Committee, CME Team
Dr. Ashfaq Shuaib (President APPIC, Alberta)
Dr. Mubeen Rafay (Vice President APPIC, Planning Committee, Manitoba)
Dr. Harris Lari (Treasurer APPIC, British Columbia)
Dr. Yasmin Majeed (General Secretary APPIC, Alberta)
Dr. Rukhsana Abdullah (Planning Committee Chair, Ontario)
Dr. Muhammad Akhter Hamid (Planning Committee Co-Chair, Ontario)
Dr. Aliya Salman (CME Committee Chair, Ontario)
Dr. Soofia Kazi (CME Committee, Ontario)
Dr. Zahid Sardar (CME Committee, Ontario)
Dr. Amna Masood (CME Committee, Ontario)
Dr. Babra Rana (CME Committee, British Columbia)
Dr. Nadya Mehdi (CME Committee, Ontario)
Dr. Maria Salman (CME Committee, Ontario)
Dr. Jabeen Fayyaz (Poster Committee Chair, Ontario)
Dr. Bushra Anwar (Poster Committee, British Columbia)
Dr. Najma Jamil (Planning Committee, Saskatchewan)
Dr. Shahzia Khan (Planning Committee, Ontario)
Dr. Abdul Qadir Kamran (Planning Committee, Alberta)
Dr. M. Hanif Nagaria (Planning Committee, British Columbia)
Proceedings Prepared by
Dr. Bushra Anwar, APPIC Media Team
