The World Federation of Pediatric Imaging (WFPI) is an international organization that provides a platform for pediatric radiology organizations united to address the challenges in global pediatric imaging training and service delivery.  

An important part of the mission is Outreach and Training in lower resource settings. In fulfillment of this mission, WFPI offers a #-month (dates) sponsored training observership to be spent in the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is Pakistan’s premier, JCI-accredited tertiary care and teaching hospital, and the country’s largest referral centre for advanced imaging and second opinions, particularly in pediatric neuroradiology and oncology. It is the flagship hospital of Aga Khan University, a globally recognised academic institution. 

The Department of Radiology at AKUH is the most advanced in the country, equipped with state-of-the-art MRI, CT, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, PET/CT, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology. We process approximately 18,000 cases monthly through a fully digital PACS system. 

AKUH also proudly hosts Pakistan’s first and only PGME-accredited two-year Pediatric Radiology Fellowship Program, which addresses a critical training gap in a country of over 240 million people. 

The newly inaugurated Centre of Excellence in Women & Child Health further strengthens our services with NICU, PICU, and 24/7 Pediatric Emergency, alongside subspecialty pediatric clinics and a Feto-Maternal Unit. 

Financial support for the Observer is $XXXX US to cover transport and living expenses; up to $XXXX US for the Host Institution.  Application deadline is DATE. 

Goals & Objectives 

- Provide immersive training in pediatric radiology across all modalities (radiography, ultrasound, MRI, CT, fluoroscopy). 

- Strengthen knowledge of imaging protocols relevant to pediatric brain, oncology, emergency, and transplant imaging. 

- Expose observers to multidisciplinary tumor boards (solid tumor, lymphoma, sarcoma, pediatric brain tumor, including past collaboration with St. Jude Hospital) and meetings with pediatric neurology and neonatology. 

- Equip observers to optimize pediatric imaging in low- and middle-income settings while maintaining international standards. 

Mentorship Team 

The observership will be coordinated by Dr. Kiran Hilal, Associate Professor of Radiology and Clinical Vice Chair, who will serve as the main mentor. She will be supported by a strong team of pediatric radiology faculty, including: 

- Dr. Naila Nadeem. 

- Dr. Wasem Akhter 

- Dr. Kumail Khandwala

- Dr Hina Pathan    

Together, this group provides broad expertise across pediatric neuroradiology, oncology, musculoskeletal, ultrasound, and emergency imaging, ensuring comprehensive supervision and learning for the observer. 

Mentor’s Quote 

“At Aga Khan University Hospital, we care for children and families from every background, providing world-class pediatric imaging with a strong academic and research foundation. This observership is about more than sharing skills , it is about building lasting capacity in pediatric radiology and strengthening local expertise to improve the health of children for generations to come.” – Dr. Kiran Hilal

The World Federation Board gratefully acknowledges the William Shiels Memorial Foundation for its generous support of the global Observership Program. 

Dr. William Shiels—Bill—was one of the true pioneers of pediatric radiology. Throughout his groundbreaking career, Bill received numerous awards, including the Society of Pediatric Radiology's John Caffey Paper Award twice, the SPR's Pioneer Award, and a Department of Defense grant to teach new interventional radiology techniques to assist in shrapnel removal from wounded veterans. He served for many years as chair of radiology at Nationwide Children's Hospital.

Bill lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in May 2015. You can read the tribute to Bill written by his colleague, Dr. Greg Bates, here.

At the time of Bill's passing, his colleagues at Nationwide Children's established a foundation in his memory. The Nationwide Children's Radiology Chair at the time, Dr. Rajesh Krishnamurthy, informed WFPI leadership that supporting a grassroots approach to expert-led, hands-on training for motivated imaging trainees in parts of the world lacking formal educational opportunities in pediatric radiology was the right way to honor his memory.

Those of us who knew Bill agree: he was a vibrant, compassionate, and generous man who dedicated his life to helping others through innovative approaches to pediatric imaging technique, practice, and education.