09/04/2025
Inna lilahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon 😔🤲🏻
Inna Lillah e Wa Inna 'Ilayhi Raji'un
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the demise of an invaluable member and cornerstone of the AKU family, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus Dr Camer Vellani. Our heartfelt condolence goes out to his family and loved ones.
Dr Vellani’s legacy is hard to put into words. He was a rare gem who left an indelible impact on the lives of countless individuals and his contributions, including to AKU, cannot be underestimated. A selfless and exemplary leader, he mentored generations of junior faculty, students and residents who have come into their own thanks to his guidance, tutelage, and support.
His enthusiasm for his work and life in general, was infectious. He taught with a passion that is uncommon while his dedication to patient care is legendary. The time, energy and attention he exerted on each patient was remarkable, making each person feel seen and heard. There is much to learn and role model from the empathy he demonstrated and the gentleness with which he approached the world. Tributes pouring in from across the globe highlight his compassion, sincerity and humility with inumerable personal stories that speak to his clinical brilliance, ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his devotion and dedication to people and to AKU.
A seasoned academic leader, Dr Vellani’s contribution towards institution building is immense. Throughout his long illustrious career many institutions have greatly benefitted from his wisdom, commitment and effort towards strengthening systems and creating strong, enduring institutions. He helped to lay the foundations of AKUH, bringing his learning from Civil Hospital and his experience in the UK with him. Joining AKU in 1979, he served in a number of key positions including Chair of Medicine, Associate Dean for the Medical College, Rector and member of the Board of Directors of AKU-EB as well as the Advisory Committee, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the AKU-Examination Board and AKU Human Development Program. Dr Vellani was also the recipient of AKU’s President’s Medal; the highest honor given to select individuals who have advanced AKU’s progress and shaped its evolution.
His hunger for knowledge and discovery was unmatched. He was the first person to file patents at AKU on technology to detect ischemia and even during his recent illness he worked tirelessly with his team on revisions that resulted in a paper that has been accepted in Scientific Reports. A deep analytical thinker, tenacious problem solver and avid student of science, Dr Vellani’s intellect, discipline and curiosity will always be remembered.
A thorough gentleman, a wonderful human being, an admirable leader, a superb clinician, brilliant teacher, innovative researcher and uniformly loved by his patients, he will be greatly missed.
May he rest in eternal peace and may his legacy live on forever. He is survived by his wife Sayeeda, daughters Zuleikha and Ayesha, and son Amir.
