Women comprise more than two-thirds of the academic medicine faculty and half of the general population in Pakistan, yet their representation in healthcare leadership roles remains disproportionately low. The study aims to explore the experiences of Pakistani women in healthcare leadership positions to unravel the challenges they face in acquiring and sustaining leadership positions and to identify the factors that help them overcome these challenges. An exploratory qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews was conducted. Purposive sampling was utilized. Telephonic interviews of ten women in healthcare leadership positions were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed by manual coding. A total of 14 subthemes were generated that finally emerged as 5 themes. The challenges of women in healthcare leadership positions included unsupportive work environment, lack of confidence and leadership skills, and struggle to balance family and work. Personal strategies, family support, and women-centric organizational policies were identified as aids to professional advancement. Most of the challenges faced by women in acquiring and sustaining leadership positions in Pakistan are rooted in a patriarchal culture that assigns conventional roles and expectations to women. Professional competence and strategic acumen along with inclusive work environment and policies can help promote gender equality.

Endodontic technical errors are the foremost cause of treatment failure. A thorough understanding of root canal configuration (RCC) is essential to prevent these iatrogenic errors. This study used CBCT images to determine the association between root canal configuration, endodontic technical errors, and periapical status. CBCT images of 101 patients, including total of 212 obturated premolars (256 canals) were assessed. RCCs were classified according to the Vertucci system. The presence of endodontic errors and periapical lesions associated with each RCC was noted. Presence or absence of coronal restoration and its association with periapical radiolucency was recorded. The most frequent RCC was Type I (199 cases; 77.73%), followed by Type II (26 cases; 10.15%), Type IV (22 cases; 8.59%), Type V (4 cases; 1.56%), Type III (4 cases; 1.56%), and Type VI (1 case; 0.39%). Under-filling and non-homogeneous filling were the most common technical errors. Prevalence of periapical radiolucency was 81% in the presence of technical errors. The absence of coronal restoration caused apical lesions in 93% of cases. The frequency of endodontic technical errors increased as the root canal configurations became more complex. Periapical lesions occurred more often in teeth with endodontic errors and/or absent coronal restoration.