Young cardiologists from Karachi clinch research grants

In a major boost to research and innovation in interventional cardiology, three young cardiologists from Karachi’s leading healthcare institutions clinched top honours and academic grants at the Grand Finale of the "Shark Tank Interventional Cardiology" competition during the Pak Live 2025 conference.

The conference was organised by the Pakistan Society of Interventional Cardiology (PSIC) and held at the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad. It was attended by hundreds of cardiologists from across Pakistan and abroad, both physically and virtually from different parts of the world.

Dr Jamshed Ali from the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) won the first prize for his research proposal, winning a cash grant of Rs300,000 to conduct research in the specialised field of interventional cardiology.

Dr. Mishal Zehra from the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Karachi and Dr Poonam Bai from the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Karachi secured the second and third positions receiving research grants of Rs200,000 and Rs100,000 respectively.

The Shark Tank Interventional Cardiology competition, an innovative collaboration between the Pharmevo Research Forum (PRF) and PSIC, aimed to inspire young doctors to embark on research ventures in interventional cardiology. Modelled after the entrepreneurial Shark Tank concept, the initiative invited budding cardiologists to present their research ideas to a panel of senior experts, competing for research funding and academic recognition.

The Grand Finale of the Shark Tank Interventional Cardiology witnessed a remarkable response from across the country, with 30 research proposals submitted from 17 cardiology institutes nationwide. After a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished panel of judges from the Pakistan Institute of Interventional Cardiology, 10 proposals were shortlisted.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Prof Dr Nauman Naseer, vice president and chairman of the Academic Committee of PSIC and Head of Cardiology at Bahria International Hospital, Lahore, emphasised the significance of promoting research in Pakistan.

"PSIC has always strived to foster research activities as we lack sufficient local data to make evidence-based and well-researched decisions that can enhance patient care and outcomes," he said and expressed confidence that the awarded projects would pave the way for new treatment approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes in the country.

Abdus Samad from PharmEvo highlighted the company's commitment to fostering a culture of scientific research and ethical promotion of healthcare in Pakistan. Cardiologist Prof Dr Bashir Hanif and PSIC President Major General Dr Sohail Aziz also addressed the event.