Experts from across the globe gathered at the 26th National Health Sciences Research Symposium (NHSRS) held at AKU in Karachi to explore the rapidly evolving role of AI in clinical practice. Over two days of keynotes, plenary talks, and pre-symposium workshops, prominent figures in medicine, technology, and healthcare came together to examine the transformative potential of AI and its ability to reshape healthcare delivery, education, and patient care.
The symposium, organized by AKU’s Medical College, opened with a thought-provoking address by Dr. Adil Haider, the Dean of the Medical College, who highlighted the necessity for healthcare professionals to adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape. Dr. Haider underscored the centrality of AI and machine learning in revolutionizing medical education, stating, “Rapid advances in AI and machine learning, along with global events like the Covid-19 pandemic, have shifted how we deliver and consume education. Moving to dynamic, student-centered learning is essential for staying relevant in this evolving landscape.”
AI’s growing influence in the healthcare sector has opened up a multitude of possibilities, particularly in areas such as disease diagnosis, treatment selection, and clinical laboratory testing. The integration of AI into clinical practice holds the potential to enhance patient care and improve outcomes. One of the key speakers, Professor Zara Cooper, a renowned professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, shared her insights into the transformative impact of AI on surgical care. “AI can be harnessed to enhance palliative care, ensuring patients receive compassionate and precise treatment at every stage,” she remarked, emphasizing how AI could play a role in improving not just the technical aspects of surgery, but also the emotional and compassionate care that patients receive.
Professor Mayur Narayan, the head of the trauma department at AiACCESS, highlighted the critical need to address access disparities as AI technology continues to advance. While AI presents significant opportunities to enhance surgical practices, Professor Narayan stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of these innovations are accessible to all patients, regardless of their socio-economic background. “AI has the power to revolutionize surgery, but it is crucial that we address the disparities in access and outcomes, ensuring that the benefits of innovation reach every patient,” he said.
The second day of the symposium featured plenary talks from various experts, including Dr. Patricia Geli, co-founder and COO of C10 Labs, and Dr. Yasar Ayaz, a professor at NUST and Head of Robotics and Machine Engineering. These sessions delved into how AI can streamline healthcare operations, improve surgical techniques, and enhance patient outcomes. In particular, one of the most anticipated sessions of the event was “The Great Debate,” a discussion centered around the ethical implications of AI in healthcare. The participants in this session grappled with the difficult question of how to balance the tremendous potential of AI innovation with moral responsibility, as concerns surrounding patient privacy, data security, and potential bias in AI algorithms continue to raise important ethical questions.
Further enriching the symposium, Mr. Shahid Azim, co-founder and CEO of Deep Tech Entrepreneur, spoke about the intersection of technology and healthcare delivery, emphasizing how AI can bridge gaps in access to medical care and improve efficiency. Additionally, Mr. Arhum Ishtiaq, co-founder of Connecthear, shared how AI has been instrumental in the development of hearing aids that significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments. His groundbreaking work in the field was recognized with the TRT World Citizen Award 2025, underscoring the potential of AI to drive social impact and innovation in healthcare.
The 26th NHSRS was not only a showcase of AI’s growing presence in healthcare, but it also reinforced the message that AI is not a distant prospect—it is a present reality. As Dr. Haider stated in his opening address, the symposium served as a reminder that AI’s transformative power must be understood and effectively harnessed to make meaningful progress in healthcare. Through collaboration, ongoing research, and education, the symposium emphasized the importance of using AI responsibly and effectively to improve healthcare delivery and access across Pakistan and beyond.
The event concluded with a strong call to action for continued dialogue and exploration of the ways in which AI can be integrated into clinical practices and healthcare systems worldwide. Experts and thought leaders stressed the importance of research, ethical considerations, and the need for continued collaboration across industries to ensure AI contributes to better healthcare outcomes for all.
