About SIVU
About SIVU
Founded with a vision to expand access to high-quality medical education and professional development, Sadiq International Virtual University (SIVU) serves as a dynamic hub for learning, collaboration, and knowledge exchange across borders.
SIVU is a global online learning platform dedicated to teaching and training medical educators that was launched in 2020 as an academic extension of Imamia Medics International’s (IMI) Medics International Virtual University (MIVU), operating under the guidance of the IMI’s Academic Council.
Driven by academic excellence and a commitment to service, SIVU stands as a testament to IMI’s mission of fostering education, innovation, and global impact in healthcare. SIVU’s guiding principle captures this mission simply: Enter to learn, go out to serve humanity.
SIVU’s Inception
SIVU was born at a moment of profound disruption in medical education. As the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly transformed the way students were taught, trained, and assessed, educators around the world faced an urgent need to adapt to new technologies, teaching methods, and approaches to evaluation. In response, IMI brought together an international network of experienced medical educators, academicians, clinicians, and scholars to create a platform that could connect teachers and learners across geographic boundaries. SIVU was formally inaugurated on May 17, 2020, with a virtual lecture by renowned scholar and academic Professor Dr. Bagher Larijani, reaching audiences around the world.
What began as an urgent response to a changing educational landscape quickly developed into a vibrant international academic community. Through webinars, interactive workshops, conferences, and structured educational programs, SIVU has brought together educators, clinicians, students, and professionals from countries across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, Australia, and beyond. Its programs have created opportunities to learn from internationally recognized faculty, exchange ideas across institutions and disciplines, build professional networks, and explore evolving approaches to pedagogy, assessment, educational technology, clinical education, public health, career development, and other areas of healthcare learning.
At its core, SIVU is committed to empowering educators and learners so that knowledge can extend far beyond the virtual classroom. By strengthening those who teach, mentor, lead, and learn, SIVU seeks to create a lasting ripple effect—advancing knowledge, skills, professionalism, and educational excellence throughout the global healthcare community. Guided by IMI’s broader commitment to education, innovation, service, and international collaboration, SIVU continues to evolve as a dynamic hub where ideas are shared, educators are strengthened, and learning is translated into meaningful service.
Meet the Team
Profiles of SIVU’s Honorary Faculty.
Arshed A. Quyyumi
MD, FRCP
Dr. Arshed A. Quyyumi is an internationally recognized leader in cardiovascular medicine and clinical research. He is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the Emory University School of Medicine, where he also serves as Director of the Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute and holds the prestigious Bruce Logue Chair for Cardiovascular Research. Dr. Quyyumi’s research spans endothelial function, vascular biology, regenerative medicine, precision cardiovascular therapeutics, and population health. His work has contributed significantly to understanding the mechanisms of heart disease and advancing innovative approaches to cardiovascular prevention and treatment. A prolific investigator, he has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and leads multiple NIH-funded studies. Dr. Quyyumi is also deeply engaged in mentoring the next generation of clinician-scientists and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration to improve cardiovascular outcomes globally.
Shabih Zaidi
MBBS, FRCS, FACS, FICS ,FCPS DLO,RCP-RCS, MIAHSc
Dr. Shabih Zaidi graduated from Dow Medical College in 1966 and completed postgraduate training in the United Kingdom, earning qualifications including DLO and FRCS. In 1972, he joined the Ministry of Health, Government of Sindh, while pursuing a distinguished academic career at Dow Medical College. He rose from Assistant Professor to Professor and Head of Department and later served as Principal of Sindh Medical College and Head of Medical Education at leading medical institutions. A renowned ENT surgeon, educator, and medical ethicist, Dr. Zaidi is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), International College of Surgeons (FICS), and the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (FCPS). He founded the Department of Medical Education at Dow Medical College and trained faculty in curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and medical education. Dr. Zaidi has authored several books, published over 100 scientific papers, co-authored the first book on medical ethics in the Indo-Pak subcontinent, and co-founded Pakistan’s indexed journal of Otolaryngology. He has served as a WHO consultant, established the Pakistan chapter of the IMPACT Foundation, held academic appointments in Malaysia and the UK, and continues to contribute as an NHS Consultant and medical educator. His lifelong passion remains scholarship, leadership, innovation, and excellence in healthcare education.
Wajih Rizvi
MD
Dr. Syed Wajih H. Rizvi, MD is an Associate Professor of Clinical Endocrinology at Rutgers University (formerly University of Medicine & Dentistry, New Jersey). He is a Consultant Endocrinologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton Campus & the Chief of R. Endocrinology. Dr. Rizvi has served as the Chair of Endocrinology at the Dakota Clinic and Innovis Health Systems and as an Associate Professor of Clinical Endocrinology at the University of North Dakota, Consultant to the North Dakota State University and at Board for Migrant Health for Native American Indians. He has also served as President of Odyssey International & R-Research with extensive involvement in Clinical Research & Development Dr. Rizvi is a Member of American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Diabetes Association, International Diabetes Federation, American Association of Physicians of Pakistani Origin, and Honorary Faculty at the Iranian Academy of Sciences and Endocrine Metabolic Research Center, Tehran. He is also a faculty at IMI’s Sadiq International Virtual University (SIVU), UK & visiting and honorary faculty to scores of Universities & institutes around the globe. Dr. Wajih Rizvi has served in the Advisory Boards & at National Speakers Bureaus of most major pharmaceutical companies and lectured on burning Endocrine topics such as Diabetes and Obesity both nationally and internationally. Dr. Rizvi is the founder & first Global President of Imamia Medics International (UN Accredited Medical Professional Platform since year 2000 & now in Special Consultative Status with UN), has served as Director and then Advisor, International Relations & Affairs at IMI and Permanent Representative of IMI at UN. He currently is a board member of IHI (International Health Initiative), Director of IMI’s NEST (Nourishment, Encouragement, Support & Trust) Program, faculty at IMI’s International Academic Council, IMI’s International Career Guidance Council and oversees IMI’s Global Headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey.
Qasim Jaffry
MBBS, MMEDSC (Urol.), FRCS, FEBU
After graduating from Dow Medical College, Karachi, Dr. Syed Qasim Jaffry proceeded to Ireland for higher studies. Currently he is a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow and Fellow of the European Board of Urology with a Masters in Urology from the National University of Ireland. Dr. Jaffry is a consultant Urologist at the University Hospital Galway in Ireland involved in entire spectrum Urological care. Dr. Jaffry has been intimately involved in Urological education of both undergraduate and post graduate medical students and nurses for years via tutorials, lectures, ward rounds, weekly meetings in addition to providing the registrars with hands on training of the advanced Urological procedures while to the senior house officers with more basic Urological procedures in the Operation theatre. After joining the IMI’s first delegation to Iraq in 2009, Dr. Jaffry has been to Iraq multiple times to transfer technology and the latest advances in the field of Urological Sciences to his peers and the esteemed Institutions in Iraq. Dr. Qasim Jaffry is also the Main Coordinator of IMI’s Annual Arbaeen Medical Mission and the Vice-Chancellor of SIVU.
Shoaleh Bigdeli
PhD, SFU ALUM, AFAMEE
Dr. Shoaleh Bigdeli is a Professor in the Department of Medical Education at the School of Medicine and formerly served as the Vice-Director of the Center for Educational Research in Medical Sciences (CERMS) at Iran University of Medical Sciences. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum Theories and Implementation from Simon Fraser University (SFU), Canada, and has completed advanced medical education training through FAIMER. As an Associate Fellow of AMEE (AFAMEE), Dr. Bigdeli has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to medical education, receiving the Excellent Researcher in Medical Education award along with 18 other prestigious educational and research honors. Dr. Shoaleh Bigdeli has supervised over 50 postgraduate theses in medical education, delivered more than 100 presentations at universities and conferences, and published 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals. She has also co-authored 13 books and book chapters. Currently, she serves as the Associate Editor of the Medical Education Textbook, Global Medical Education in Normal and Challenging Times (Springer, 2024). Additionally, her latest co-authored book on Gamification in Medical Education is published recently. Dr. Shoaleh Bigdeli has conducted over 70 faculty development workshops, webinars, and e-workshops in medical education. She currently serves as the Medical Education Section Editor and guest editor of the medical education special issue for Acta Medica Iranica and a member of the editorial boards for several journals, including BMC Medical Education, Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences (IJVLMS), Educational Development of Jundishapur, and the Journal of Medical Education for Future Trends.
Sakina Naqvi
B.S., B.A.
Sakina Naqvi is an accomplished technology professional, community leader, and longtime volunteer with more than 25 years of experience in information technology, enterprise systems, and project leadership. She currently serves as a Senior ERP Developer at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where her work focuses on enterprise human capital management systems and supporting complex HR, payroll, benefits, compensation, and recruiting functions. Throughout her career, Sakina has held leadership and technical roles at organizations including Raymond James, Northwestern University, State Farm Insurance, and the Joint Commission. She is also the founder of Baqiyat Business Solution LLC and has continued to expand her expertise through studies in data science and artificial intelligence. Alongside her professional career, Sakina has maintained a deep commitment to education and community service. Over the last 15 years, she contributed extensively to Imamia Medics International, including leadership of senior-care initiatives and support for IMI youth and community programs, prior to shifting her focus to IMI’s Academic initiatives. Sakina brings to SIVU a passion for service, lifelong learning, mentorship, and using technology and education to strengthen communities.
Mulazim Bukhari
LMS & Course Quality Director
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Tabassum Zehra
MBBS, MPHE, PhD
Dr. Tabassum Zehra is a dedicated Health Professions Educationist with a strong medical foundation and advanced qualification including a PhD in Medical Education. With over two decades of experience and a proven leadership track at institutions like Aga Khan University and College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), made significant contributions to faculty development, postgraduate education, and curriculum innovation. As the former MHPE Program Director at AKU, spearheaded strategic initiatives in self assessment reviews and program evaluation, faculty development, mentored educators, and championed the integration of evidence-based and digitally enhanced teaching practices. My work spans national and international platforms through courses, workshops, and conference presentations driven by a passion for transforming HPE through capacity-building, innovation, and academic excellence. Scholarly contributions include national, international publications, co-editing a book on ‘Global Medical Education in Normal and Challenging Times’, published by Springer.
Farzana Mahdi
PhD (FAIMER, GSMC-2013 & FAMS)
Prof. Dr. Farzana Mahdi is the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Era University, Lucknow, India. She also serves as Director Academics at Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital and as Director of the Department of Personalized and Molecular Medicine at Era University. In addition to her institutional leadership responsibilities, Prof. Dr. Mahdi serves as General Secretary of the Society for Allied and Healthcare Professions Education and Research (AHAHPER) and the Indian Society of Personalized Medicine (ISPM).
John Sandars
MBChB (Hons), MSc,MD, MRCP(UK), MRCGP, FAcadMEd
Professor John Sandars is an internationally recognized scholar in medical education. Following training in hospital medicine and general practice, he served as a GP trainer, Macmillan GP Facilitator in Palliative Medicine, and lecturer at the University of Manchester. He later held senior academic positions at the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield before joining Edge Hill University as Professor of Medical Education. A Fellow of both the Academy of Medical Educators and the Higher Education Academy, Professor Sandars has received major national and international research funding exceeding £1.5 million. His work has resulted in more than 290 peer-reviewed publications. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Sheffield, has held visiting professorships internationally, and has delivered keynote speeches in various national and international conferences. Professor Sandars serves on the editorial boards of leading medical education journals and provides leadership in professional standards, assessment, and educational research. His research focuses on developing healthcare professionals across the continuum of medical education, with particular interests in self-regulated learning, clinical reasoning, technology-enhanced learning, and the evaluation of complex educational interventions. Professor Sandars has successfully supervised 9 PhD students to completion and is an experienced PhD external examiner. He has provided faculty development workshops in both the UK and internationally.
Ali A. Abutiheen
PhD
Professor Dr. Ali A. Abutiheen is a Consultant Family Physician and Head of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Karbala, Iraq. He also serves as Program Director of the Karbala Training Center of Family and Community Medicine under the Iraqi Board for Medical Specialization. In addition, he is a member of the Scientific Council of Family Medicine of the Arab Board for Health Specializations, Baghdad, and a member of the Scientific Council of Family and Community Medicine of the Iraqi Board for Medical Specialization, Baghdad. Furthermore, Professor Abutitheen is in charge of the Karbala Training Centers of Family Medicine for the Iraqi Board of Family Medicine and the Higher Diplomas in Family Medicine, and serves as a member of the Higher Committee for Family Medicine in Iraq, Ministry of Health.
Ahsan Zafar Zaidi
Chancellor
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Sucheta Dandekar
PhD, FAIMER (Philadelphia), IFME, MHPE (Keele, UK)
Dr. Sucheta P. Dandekar is an accomplished academic and medical educator, serving as an I-FACE Professor of Biochemistry and Medical Education at Era’s Lucknow Medical College, India. She holds a PhD and prestigious fellowships including FAIMER (Philadelphia) and IFME, along with a Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) from Keele University, UK. Dr. Dandekar is also an Adjunct Faculty member at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and she currently serves as the President of the Academy of Health Professions Educators (AHPE).
Nirmala Rege
MD, DNB, PhD (Pharmacology)
Dr. Nirmala N. Rege is Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Era’s Lucknow Medical College, Era University and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai. She holds an MD (Pharmacology), DNB (Clinical Pharmacology), PhD (Pharmacology), and is a FAIMER (Philadelphia) Fellow (2015). She is Trustee and Past President of the Academy of Health Professions Educators; Advisor and past President of the South Asian College, an affiliate of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology (SAC-ACCP); Vice-President of AHAHPER; and Advisor at MEU-INDIA. She also serves as faculty for Health Professions Education courses conducted by MEU (India) and Era-SIVU, and as a resource person for Health Professions Education (HPE) and research methodology workshops. Dr. Rege has served as Principal Investigator for projects funded by CSIR, NIMTLI, DST, ICMR, AYUSH, and the pharmaceutical industry; and as Co-Investigator for DBT and ICM projects. She has received more than 40 research awards and has authored over 160 publications in national and international journals, including book chapters on research methodologies, medical education, and Ayurveda.
Abbas Ghazanfar
LMS & Course Quality Director
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Mohd Shahzad Anwer
Chancellor
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Gohar Wajid
Principal AJKMC/ Professor
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Rita Mojtahedzadeh
Chancellor
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Aeen Mohammad
LMS & Course Quality Director
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Azeem Meerzazadeh
Chancellor
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Jabeen Fayyaz
MD, FCPS, MCPS, DCH, CHSE, MHPE, Ph.D. (Simulation)
Dr. Jabeen Fayyaz is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and the Medical Director of SimKIDS at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, Canada. She is a practicing Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience and is widely recognized for her leadership in healthcare simulation, faculty development, and global health education. Her academic focus lies in designing and implementing simulation-based training for healthcare providers across the continuum of education—from undergraduate learners to senior postgraduate trainees and interprofessional teams. She has led and collaborated on multiple simulation-based research projects focusing on resuscitation, team dynamics, system testing, and quality improvement. She is also a strong advocate for culturally sensitive, emotionally safe learning environments and has contributed to shaping simulation strategies in both high-resource and low-resource settings. Dr. Fayyaz serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Healthcare Simulation (JoHS) and the Panorama of Emergency Medicine (PoEM). She is also the Co-Lead of the Cureus Simulation Channel of the International Pediatric Simulation Society (IPSS), where she works to promote accessible, peer-reviewed knowledge dissemination in pediatric simulation. She holds active leadership roles within international organizations such as IPSS and the International Network for Simulation-based Pediatric Innovation, Research and Education (INSPIRE). She has contributed significantly to global simulation capacity-building efforts in South Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa and has mentored faculty in simulation curriculum development, distance simulation, and debriefing practices. As an educator and speaker, Dr. Fayyaz has been invited to present her work on simulation and medical education at leading academic institutions and conferences worldwide. Her approach combines innovation with a deep commitment to equity, learner-centeredness, and system-wide impact.
Six Years of Impactful Learning
From regional webinars to global academic programmes — a journey of education, partnership, and growth.
Chapter 01
Established a broad international reach across 27 countries with strong community engagement.
Chapter 02
Forged key academic alliances and expanded course offerings through collaborations with leading institutions.
Chapter 03
Launched MOOCs, and strengthened local presence through UMC Karachi — the most impactful year yet.
Chapter 04
Launched MOOCs, and strengthened local presence through UMC Karachi — the most impactful year yet.
Chapter 05
Launched MOOCs, and strengthened local presence through UMC Karachi — the most impactful year yet.
Chapter 06
Established a broad international reach across 27 countries with strong community engagement.
