Prof.Arif Siddiqui
President - SAAP
(2018-2020)
Message
First of all, I am extremely honoured to have been elected to serve the 6th President (2018-20) of the South Asian Association of Physiologists by its General Council meeting held on Dec. 13, 2018 hosted by Pakistan Physiological Society at University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan. The conference as such been a great success as it attracted more than 300 participants from eight countries and it was preceded by Physiology Teaching workshop sponsored by IUPS.
South Asian Association of Physiologists (SAAP) is the Founding entity in terms of mobilizing physiology community in South Asia for the promotion of physiological sciences and teaching physiology in the region in more cohesive manner through networking and collaboration. Since its inception in 2008 at Islamabad the concept of SAAP was enthusiastically received and with increasing dedication and resilience coupled by consistent efforts it is gradually growing in stature. Biennial conferences been a well received feature as so far these are organized in Islamabad (2008), Bangalore (2010), Colombo (2012), Dhaka (2014), Kathmandu (2016) and with the conference at Lahore (2018) completes the cycle.
We should be aware that with nearly 1000 medical colleges and dozens of university departments and research institutions in the region there is huge potential for the promotion of discipline that would eventually translate into better health care and research activities. However, in order to make a difference there are lots of challenges; notable among these are the lack of funds and lack of vitality. Relative convenience in physical movement will also benefit in terms of sharing ideas and experience.
Congruent with philosophy of professional excellence and best practice of pedagogy SAAP strives to create learning environment that is conducive to transform the thinking pattern of faculty. In its initiatives SAAP is committed to expose, enrich and equip the physiology faculties with emerging teaching skills, practice and pedagogy. The effort is meant to create an environment of partnership between education and scholarship which is essential to prepare the faculty to fiercely compete in neo-globalized market.
Physiologists with total commitment toward their responsibilities SAAP commit to play its role in bringing itself as a leading hub of physiology research and education in South Asia.
The Executive Council is fully committed to deliberate the issues and intend to see accelerated operations during its tenure. Following are considered as priority agenda in this regard:
1. See enhanced level of communication and opportunities with membership of the constituent societies in order to promote scientific and research cooperation.
2. Strengthen the academic communication by adding diversity and increasing frequency of scientific events.
3. Strengthen the communication through interactive website, reviving the Newsletter so as to enhance cohesion amongst the membership.
4. Seeing a proactive Executive council that could deliver its best to add value to SAAP operation and its financial health.
5. Strengthen the communication and cooperation with FAOPS and IUPS.
We are working proactively to come up to a mechanism where existence of SAAP in South Asia could make a distinct difference in near future. Understanding and cooperation of all concerned is of paramount importance to see the deliverables achieved. Prof Savithri S Wimalsekera, Secretary General will shortly be in communication in this regard.
With the revival of SAAP Newsletter we are creating another forum to see information dissemination among the membership to make the exercise professionally rewarding. Achievement of full dividends is only subject to active participation and providing interesting and valuable contributions. I am immensely obliged to Prof Kusal Das who kindly consented to offer his guidance and patronization for another term as Editor-in-Chief. Editorial Board being reconstituted with more dedicated members and Terms of Reference will soon be shared by Prof. Das. Needless to mention that in due the Newsletter will form a basis for a peer-reviewed journal from the platform of SAAP.
Wishing all the best to Prof Kusal Das and his team for endeavors and sincere felicitations to all members of SAAP.
Arif Siddiqui PhD
President, SAAP
Former Vice Chancellor, Barrett Hodgson University
Karachi, Pakistan
