Committees — MERIT
APPNA MERIT
MERIT focuses on academic advancement, research mentorship, and innovation in medical training across APPNA chapters and institutions. The committee oversees research programs, training initiatives, and builds healthcare education infrastructure between America and Pakistan.
2026 Committee
Leadership
Chair
Fawad Chaudhry, MD
Co-Chair
Attiya Haroon, MD
Member
Saad Usmani, MD
Member
Umna Ashfaq, MD
Member
Tahir Paul, MD
Member
Mohammed Zeshan, MD
Member
Khairuddin Memon, MD
Member
Bilal Mohammad, MD
Member
Shaista Rashid, MD
Member
Syed Talal Husain, MD
Member
Faiz Anwar, MD
Overview
About the Committee
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, facilitating 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.
Standing Committee · Est. 2007
Mission
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.
High-impact online programs
Develop outcome-based, high-impact online programs using modern teaching methodologies.
Diaspora–Pakistan collaboration
Strengthen collaboration between diaspora physicians and healthcare stakeholders in Pakistan.
Empower sustainable leadership
Empower diaspora professionals to lead transformative, sustainable healthcare programs.
Programs & Projects
What we do
Online fellowships & certification
Year-long fellowships and certification courses through APPNA Academy — from Stroke & Vascular Neurology to Psychiatry, HIV and Addiction medicine — built by sub-specialty faculty.
CME courses & webinars
Live and recorded CME sessions taught by diaspora physicians and attended across dozens of Pakistani medical universities, archived as playlist series on YouTube.
International training
The Visiting Faculty Program and APPNA Speakers Bureau connect 150+ experts with institutions in Pakistan for lectures, seminars and workshops — virtually or in person.
Transfer of technology
Telemedicine networks, the e-Teaching initiative and specialty MERITNETs bring modern clinical practice and technology into underserved settings.
History & evolution
From taskforce to committee
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.
Diagnostic engagement with Pakistani academic and government healthcare leaders during the APPNA Winter Meeting in Pakistan.
Structured program development based on consultations with CPSP, PMDC, HEC, and others.
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.
CPSP approval of new fellowships in Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, and Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. Launch of the APPNA MERIT e-Teaching initiative.
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.
Partnerships with the Pakistan Psychiatric Society, APPNA Women's Council, and numerous Pakistani medical universities.
Programs
Featured Programs
MERIT
APPNA Speakers Bureau
Connects 150+ expert diaspora physicians with institutions across Pakistan for free lectures, seminars and…
View All 
MERIT
Online Courses & Fellowships
APPNA MERIT develops and delivers high-quality, goal-directed online CME courses through
View All
MERIT
Live Webinars & CME Series
MERIT hosts regular live webinars on high-yield clinical and research topics, bringing together leading
View All
MERIT
Workshops & Symposia
MERIT organizes hands-on clinical workshops and academic symposia at APPNA conventions, providing
View All
Related committees
Office of CME (RESA)
Young Physicians (YPC)
Young Physicians Canada
APPNA Med Connect
All committees
Get involved
Join the APPNA Speakers Bureau and share your expertise through free lectures, seminars and workshops for institutions across Pakistan — virtually or in person.
Programs
Featured Programs
MERIT
APPNA Speakers Bureau
Connects 150+ expert diaspora physicians with institutions across Pakistan for free lectures, seminars and…
View All
MERIT
Online Courses & Fellowships
APPNA MERIT develops and delivers high-quality, goal-directed online CME courses through
View All
MERIT
Live Webinars & CME Series
MERIT hosts regular live webinars on high-yield clinical and research topics, bringing together leading
View All
MERIT
Workshops & Symposia
MERIT organizes hands-on clinical workshops and academic symposia at APPNA conventions, providing
View All