Dr. Virji’s professional journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence in both clinical care and medical education. She earned her MBBS in Pakistan, followed by a Master’s in Health Administration from the University of British Columbia. After completing her residency in Pediatrics in New York, she pursued a fellowship in Pediatric Nephrology at BC Children’s Hospital. Over the years, she transitioned from community pediatrics to academic medicine, assuming leadership roles such as Medical Director for outpatient clinics and Division Head for Pediatric Hospital Medicine.
During her time at FMIC, Dr. Virji worked closely with the pediatric faculty and residents, fostering relationships and conducting a thorough needs assessment of the training program. Her focus was on enhancing the learning environment and ensuring that residents received more comprehensive exposure to key areas, such as radiology. She also liaised with other departments to explore interdisciplinary opportunities for improving trainee experiences. In the wards, Dr. Virji encountered cases of communicable diseases that are largely preventable through vaccination—diseases that have become rare in Canada due to high immunization rates. She observed that Afghanistan’s low immunization uptake poses a significant public health challenge. This gap underscored the need for increased public education to promote vaccine-preventable disease awareness and prevention. One of the most striking aspects of her visit was witnessing how FMIC’s general pediatricians manage a broad spectrum of complex cases without the support of pediatric subspecialists. Dr. Virji was deeply impressed by their resilience and resourcefulness, noting that their commitment to patient care excels despite the constraints they face.
Reflecting on her experiences, Dr. Virji shared, “The dedication of the FMIC team is nothing short of extraordinary. Their work is not just about treating illnesses; it is about bringing hope and healing to a community that faces immense challenges.” The visit also offered Dr. Virji an opportunity to learn. Some of the pathologies she encountered were unlike anything she had seen in her 20 years of practice in Canada. These encounters broadened her perspective on global healthcare disparities and reaffirmed the importance of knowledge exchange between healthcare providers across the world.
FMIC itself stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation. Established through a unique partnership involving the Governments of Afghanistan and France, the Aga Khan Development Network, and La Chaîne de l'Espoir, FMIC has become a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. The institute has not only provided care to over two million patients but has also emerged as a leader in medical education and capacity sharing. Its commitment to excellence is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities, international certifications, and groundbreaking programs such as telemedicine. Dr. Virji’s visit was a significant step in strengthening collaboration between FMIC and global medical professionals. Her contributions during the visit, particularly in pediatric training and education, have laid the groundwork for ongoing partnerships aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes for Afghanistan’s children.
As she returns to Canada, Dr. Virji remains deeply committed to supporting FMIC’s mission. Her visit serves as a reminder of the transformative power of collaboration and the shared goal of providing compassionate, high-quality care to those in need.
