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Biomedica - Official Journal of University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

Volume 39(4):139-140

EULOGY

In loving memory of Prof. Dr. Tania Ahmed Shakoori (29-01-1976 to 27-10-2023)

Huma S. Khan

Received: 20 November 2023 Revised date: 06 December 2023 Accepted: 12 December 2023

Correspondence to: Huma Saeed Khan

*Associate Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.

Email: humasaeedkhan@uhs.edu.pk

Full list of author information is available at the end of the article.

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'Indeed to God we belong and indeed to Him is our return' (Al-Quran 2:156)

Prof. Dr. Tania Ahmed Shakoori was born on 29th January 1976 in an intellectually inclined family. Her altruistic nature and life motto of service above self, led her to pursue a career in medicine where she could help the poor and the needy. She received her training at the prestigious Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan, and qualified for her MBBS degree in the year 1999. After a small break to raise a family, she joined the Federal Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, to pursue a career in Physiology by joining their M. Phil leading to a Ph.D. program. She received her Doctorate degree in the year 2012 and joined the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore, as an Assistant Professor. She later served at the Women Medical College Abbottabad, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, and at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore, before re-joining the UHS, Lahore, as an Associate Professor in 2021. She was promoted to the rank of Professor and Head of the Physiology Department in December, 2022 in the same university. In her career, she published over 30 research papers, supervised more than 26 M.Phil Physiology candidates, and more recently, had six Ph.D scholars under her supervision. She had a strong grasp of Biostatistics and Research methodology, and her social media teaching via YouTube channel¹ gained her an international audience. She laid the foundation for the Online Physiology Journal Club from the platform of UHS and its affiliated medical colleges and conducted three events with international speakers in a span of 1 year. She had a keen interest in working with the Quality Enhancement Cell of the universities where she served and contributed positively to the ongoing quality assurance processes. Moreover, since 2010, she has been mentoring and facilitating certification courses in medical teaching to early and mid-career medical teachers through her collaborative ventures across all provinces of Pakistan. After suffering from ulcerative colitis for more than a decade, she was diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma at stage 4, in the year 2021. She fought the condition bravely, undergoing repetitive cycles of chemotherapy, with three major surgical procedures, all the while staying steadfast with all the assignments and demands related to her profession. She left this worldly abode to join her Creator on October 27, 2023. She is survived by a daughter and two sons.

Dr. Tania was the epitome of perseverance, patience, and resilience. She was a dedicated educator, inspiring and influencing not only the basic science students but also engaging clinicians with research collaborations. Her wisdom and passion for research and teaching fostered a spirit of curiosity and critical thinking in all those whom she met and taught. She was well known as a kind and humble soul, a cherished colleague, a supportive friend, and a loving mother. Her compassion left everyone in awe, and the warmth of her genuine companionship touched the lives of those who had the honor of knowing her. She will be remembered for all her scientific achievements, and for her strong spirit, dedication, kindness, and unwavering strength. Her death has left a void in the physiology community which can never be filled, but her work and her trainees will stand as a testament to the enduring impact she had on all.

In humble recognition of her contributions to the field of Physiology and the UHS, Lahore, the present Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, has honored her by naming a major scientific meeting room after her. It is now known as the "Prof. Tania Ahmed Shakoori Conference Room" which shall serve as the central hub and focal point for the education and learning activities for both the students and the medical community in the years to come.

May Allah grant her the highest ranks in Jannat.

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