Key Takeaways
- Dr Ayesha I. Mian has been elected president of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions.
- She is the first Pakistani and South Asian to hold this position since the organization's establishment in 1937.
- Her election highlights global recognition of expertise from low- and middle-income countries.
Dr Ayesha I. Mian, an alumna of Aga Khan University, has been elected president of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) for a five-year term starting in 2026. This historic election makes her the first Pakistani and South Asian to lead the organization since its founding in 1937.
Dr Mian’s journey is marked by significant milestones. After serving on the faculty of the University of Texas and Baylor College of Medicine, she returned to Pakistan in 2013 where she played a pivotal role as Founding Dean of Student Experience and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Aga Khan University (AKU).
Her contributions extend beyond academia; Dr Mian established Pakistan’s first Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship training program. Currently, she serves as Founder and CEO of Synapse, Pakistan Neuroscience Institute, where her focus remains on advancing mental health services, education, research, and advocacy.
The election of a Pakistani leader to such a prestigious position underscores the growing recognition of expertise from low- and middle-income countries in global healthcare. Dr Mian’s leadership is expected to bring significant benefits for child psychiatry in Pakistan and beyond.
Dr Mian expressed her commitment to the role, stating: 'This is an honor that comes with immense responsibility. I am committed to working towards improving mental health services for children globally.'
The announcement has been widely celebrated by Pakistani and international stakeholders. Dr Mian’s election is seen as a milestone in the field of child psychiatry, reflecting the growing importance of mental health research and practice from diverse regions.
'This is an honor that comes with immense responsibility. I am committed to working towards improving mental health services for children globally.'
Dr Ayesha I. Mian, President of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions
