International Stroke Coordination Center

About Us

The APPNA International Stroke Coordination Center (ISCC), based at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, is a pioneering institution dedicated to transforming stroke care in Pakistan.

APPNA ISCC is committed to implementing evidence-based stroke management, real-time data monitoring, and structured training programs.

By integrating global expertise and advanced research, this initiative will be collaboration of stroke organizations, Pakistan Stroke Society and Pakistan Society of Neurology.

APPNA ISCC will set new benchmarks in stroke treatment and prevention across the country.

Our Mission

To implement international standards of practice in a low resource country by blended training modules to improve stroke care

Our Vision

To establish stroke centers across Pakistan in cities as well as underserved areas and other low middle income countries (LMIC’s)

Shahid Rafiq, MD

Dr. Husnain Hashim

Stroke and Neurology Director, Holy Cross Health and Frederick Health, Maryland

Director, APPNA Online Fellowship in Stroke and Vascular Neurology

Vice President, Pakistan Stroke Society

HOD Neurology, Fauji Foundation Hospital

National Coordinator, Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke, Pakistan

Project Lead

National Coordinator

History

APPNA MERIT: Driving Innovation in Stroke Training and Care

Spearheaded by APPNA MERIT (Medical Education, Research, International Training, and Transfer of Technology), the initiative sought to enhance stroke management through global best practices and structured training

From Data to Impact: The Foundation of APPNA ISCC

The foundation of APPNA ISCC is deeply rooted in the MERIT IMPACT Study and SITS Stroke Registry, inaugurated on January 24, 2021, as a milestone effort in enhancing stroke care in resource-constrained environments

The Initiative

The event was organized and moderated by Dr. Shahid Rafiq, Co-Chair of APPNA MERIT, and featured a distinguished panel of advisors, faculty, and collaborating partners. This initiative was launched under the leadership of

• Dr. M. Rizwan Khalid (President, APPNA 2021)

• Dr. Haroon Durrani (President-Elect, APPNA 2021)

• Prof. Dr. Muhammad Umar (Vice-Chancellor, RMU)

It’ll be instrumental in shaping Pakistan’s stroke care landscape by integrating structured training and global best practices.

Transforming Stroke Care in Pakistan

The Merit Impact study was based on improving stroke care through implementing standards of practice in a resource-poor country by online training. It established the foundation for this current initiative with the following key participating sites:

• District Head Quarter Hospital, Rawalpindi (Department of Medicine, Tertiary Care)

• POF Hospital, Wah Cantt (Department of Medicine, Secondary Care)

• Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi (Department of Neurology, Tertiary Care)

• Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad (Department of Neurology, Tertiary Care)

Participating Sites

The IMPACT - II Trial

The APPNA ISCC leads the IMPACT-II Trial, an ambitious expansion of the APPNA Online Fellowship in Stroke and Vascular Neurology. Building on the success of the original IMPACT Trial (launched in January 2021), this initiative is designed to elevate stroke management quality metrics through

• Advanced training programs for healthcare professionals

• Seamless integration of global best practices in stroke care

• Real-time performance monitoring and data-driven process optimization

• Nationwide collaboration

Key Collaborations

Our primary collaborator, the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), USA, along with APPNA Academy, will play a crucial role in supporting ISCC’s mission by providing both advanced educational resources and fellowships to elevate stroke care expertise across the country.

Our Initiative/ Ongoing Project

Registry

Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke (SITS), Sweden

Collaborators

Additionally, APPNA ISCC collaborates with

Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institutes (ZQSI), USA

Funding

Pakistan Stroke Society (PSS), Pakistan

Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU), Pakistan

Office

Through these collaborations, ISCC will foster a sustainable ecosystem for stroke research, clinical training, and patient care in Pakistan.

Our Team

Shahid Rafiq, MD

Stroke and Neurology Director, Holy Cross Health and Frederick Health, Maryland

Vice Chancellor Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals

Dr. Husnain Hashim

Vice President, Pakistan Stroke Society

HOD Neurology, Fauji Foundation Hospital

National Coordinator, Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke, Pakistan

Director, APPNA Online Fellowship in Stroke and Vascular Neurology

Manaar Adil Siddiqui

Project Manager/ Clinical Data Manager, International Stroke Coordination Centre, Holy Family, Rawalpindi

Dr Nadeem Afraz

Internal Coordinator, Rawalpindi Medical University and Allied Hospitals

Isa Wilson

Executive- & Network Coordinator, Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke International, Sweden

Fareed Khan Suri, MD

Managing Director, Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institutes

Director Stroke program, St Cloud Hospital

Prof. Muhammad Umar,

Sitara-e-Imtiaz

Implementing Standards of Practice in A resource-poor Country by Online Training to Improve Stroke Care (IMPACT) Study

Publications and Research

NCT04995146