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Editor-in-Chief
Adeel A. Butt
aabutt@gmail.com
Editorial Staff
Shain Amershi, Executive Assistant
alumni.nachapter@aku.edu
Associate Editors
Faiz Bhora, Medical College
North American Chapter
fybhora@aol.com
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are of the individual authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the editorial
2 board or Aga Khan University.
FROM THE EDITOR S DESK
Reuters
In 2010, Pakistan experienced floods that inundated to address the enormous task at hand. There is a need for
nearly a fifth of the country. By some estimates, over 20 a professionally staffed disaster relief agency which can
million people have been affected. The Aga Khan become the central management hub in any national
University and its alumni have played their part in help- emergency. The agency should be run on the principles
ing those affected. They have provided primary medical of independence, transparency and accountability.
care at relief camps, staffed wards in hospitals and taken Even though many have stepped up to meet the chal-
over unused government facilities, donating time, pro- lenge, we need even more. From community associa-
fessional expertise and money to help their compatriots. tions, civil society organisations, local governments all
However, millions still remain without shelter or food, the way through to national and provincial institutions,
and at great risk from water-borne diseases. With the we need leaders – not one but many.
winter now here, the need for assistance is even greater. P.S. We urge all readers to help our less fortunate
While numerous government, non-governmental and fellow citizens, through their time, expertise or dona-
international agencies have set up efforts to help the tions. Remember, even a smile for an affected person is
affected, there is a sense of lack of effective leadership a charity that has its own rewards.
3
COVER STORY
4
COVER STORY
5
FEATURE
Architect, photographer and anthropologist, Omar Kasmani (AKU-ISMC, Class of 2009) is currently a PhD
candidate in Social Anthropology at the Freie Universität, Berlin, Graduate School Muslim Cultures and
Societies. His research interests include gender, devotion and post-colonial subjectivities.
Appearing much softer at dusk, the golden dome of the the drum, alternatively lifting one foot and springing on
shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar rises above the dusty the other, women sway their heads in a circular motion,
town of Sehwan, 180 miles north of Karachi. Tiny their hair left uncovered and untied.
makeshift shrines and altars dot the processional walk Inside, where the saint lies buried, people continue
to the main entrance of the shrine, marked by a very to make offerings, in groups and in solitude. Women
tall alam, a structure erected in the memory of the sing of the saint’s intercessory attributes; the ambience
Battle of Karbala (680 AD). is made warmer by the soft rendition of ‘O lal meri pat
Walking past the courtyard, now barefoot, I let a rakhiya bala jhoole lal’ (lit: O Lal keep my boat
red thread be tied to my wrist, signifying the colour of afloat). Occasionally, parties of male vocalists, whilst
the saint. The courtyard is neatly cordoned off into standing by the grave, sing or recite poems of praise
male and female zones where seemingly disciplined and sometimes of grief for the family of the Prophet.
men and women await what appears to be a daily ritual. This is often accompanied by beating of the chest by
Minutes later, right after the sunset prayer, large drums Shi’a pilgrims providing a regular beat to the recitation.
are struck, turning people in the courtyard less disci- Upon entering, many would prostrate at the thresh-
plined, the gender-divide less stark. Some observe and old or later at the pedestal of the shrine, a few would
many participate in a kind of vigorous dance called crack open a coconut. There are men and women who
dhamal in local parlance. As men dance to the beats of quietly read the Quran, and those who pray silently
6
FEATURE
with hands folded, clasped together sion is confirmed as many pray fac- The images are part of a larger
or stretched out. There are some ing the camera and not in the direc- body of work “The red between
who circumambulate with chants tion of the shrine as dictated by cus- black and white”, curated for an
louder than others and some whose tom. My use of camera, in this exhibition at the L’École des
singing voices fill the large durbar sense, becomes unexceptional and Hautes Études en Sciences
(courtyard) space. Many make in some ways not intrusive. Sociales in Paris in September
“
offerings to the saint: chadars, rose 2010. This ethnographic account
petals, sweets and money. Some are is part of the researcher’s MA
seen touching the grave; others bow project conducted at AKU-ISMC.
further to deliver a kiss.
An increasingly frequent sight ‘O lal meri pat rakhiya
is that of men and women using bala jhoole lal’ (lit: O
their cellular phones to take pictures
Lal keep my boat afloat)
”
or to make videos of the shrine. The
democratisation of the camera, I
believe, subjects the shrine visitor
to posing in front of it. The impres-
FEATURE
It was our research study for the MEd degree that plant- This is a story of Aga Khan Hospital for Women and
ed the seed. Children, Kharadar and its integration with the
It was a rigorous process that began with formulat- University Hospital.
ing a research plan, writing a research proposal and The Janbai Maternity Home, as it was originally
finally submitting a dissertation; a process of un-learn- called, was established on April 15, 1924 with the
ing and re-learning that made us realise the importance support of Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III
of reflecting on how the theoretical knowledge of and the philanthropist, Weir Bundeh Ali Kassim. It
research in novice researchers is transformed into their now functions as a full-fledged secondary hospital
research skills. with 48 beds, a labour room, an operation theatre,
As fledgling researchers, we were anxious about nursery and outpatient clinics. It also has been offer-
receiving clear directions and effective supervision. ing midwifery training since 1967, with 1,210 gradu-
Fortunately, Dr Nilofar Vazir, Associate Professor, ates to date.
AKU-IED agreed to supervise us. Although our studies On July 1, 2009 the nursing services were merged
had many contextual and methodological differences, with the Aga Khan University Hospital. Initially, the
her extraordinary expertise as a dissertation supervisor merger was not easily accepted – change is not always
made our thesis research work and writing, a significant welcome! To help the process, the Aga Khan
learning experience and a milestone in our teaching University Hospital nursing team arranged an intro-
career. This exceptional learning opportunity eventually ductory learn and lunch session, where apprehensions
convinced the two of us to reflect on our overall experi- and queries could be answered.
ence as research supervisees and on the entire process Several steps followed: a training need analysis
we had been through. We decided to write a reflective where skills and theory were assessed, special classes
paper that could provide some useful underpinnings for arranged for those who needed assistance, and follow-
both neophyte researchers and research supervisors. up to help people improve their grades based on their
Despite living and working in different contexts, we knowledge, attitude and practice.
remained enthusiastic about our aim. We corresponded Like they say, no one can go back and make a
over email, exchanging feedback till we were satisfied brand new start, but anyone can start today and forge
that our learning could add to research literature. The a brand new ending – and this is precisely what hap-
result was ‘Learning, re-learning and un-learning: our pened here. Initially while wearing their brand new
journey across the dissertation process: reflections of AKUH uniforms, staff felt insecure. Their Janbai
two student teachers’ published in the international jour- identity had gone away, an identity very close to their
nal, Reflective Practice. hearts; shifts had been stretched to nine hours, and
This paper is significant to us in two ways. First, it adjustments had to be made with families. They were
provides a comprehensive view of the entire process of worried about the firm rules towards policies and
research work under a research supervisor, which we accountability for their own actions. They were wor-
narrated by sharing sufficient evidence of the profes- ried that the homely environment of sharing and car-
sional interaction among supervisors and supervisees. In ing would disappear, they would have to stretch them-
addition, it emphasises the pivotal role a research super- selves and learn new technology, rationalise their
visor plays in ensuring the quality and authenticity of nursing care, and above all be vocal, confident,
the study. Secondly, by being published at an interna- assertive and independently responsible for their
tional forum, it has revealed our competency as authors. patient’s right.
This has motivated us to continue to write and share our If the key to success is the ability to adapt, then
learning experiences with colleagues. yes, our team has become accustomed to the new uni-
What we have realised is that it is necessary to form, duty hours, policies, procedures and documen-
carefully proofread the final version, fulfill copyright tation. Now we all can rationalise our nursing inter-
formalities and address acknowledgements. This has ventions, develop nursing care plans and proudly say
indeed been a successful step in our journey as learners. that we provide quality care!
8
FEATURE
Gary Otte
Research Grants:
A Nightmare for Junior Researchers
Kashmira Nanji, BScN 04, MSc 09
You are entering a dimly lit room. such as the National Institutes of tively propose an idea to granting
On one side you can see huge stacks Health. Local funds are also declin- agencies. First impressions matter a
of papers and on the other, a group ing, as the Higher Education great deal: a concise and convincing
of people working away. Moving Commission and Pakistan Medical proposal is essential for getting
closer, you realise that those piles and Research Council have suffered one’s research funded. Reviewers
are actually grant applications and major cuts in their budgets. usually spend a short amount of
the people, reviewers. Suddenly, one However, let us have confidence in time reading each application and if
turns to look you in the face; you the skills we have gained at AKU. they do not like your idea after
realise that he is holding your grant During my MSc programme, we reading the first page, they are not
application. He smiles and stamps were told that there are two steps for likely to approve your grant applica-
the paper and hands it over. Your success in the field of research. tion. Also proposals that do not
application has been rejected. You First, formulating an original and match an agency’s objectives are
hear a faint, familiar sound in the innovative idea for research and sec- less likely to succeed.
background – an alarm clock ring- ond, convincing reputable funding Working as a junior researcher is
ing, waking you from this night- agencies to support it. definitely not a 9 to 5 job – it is an
mare. Thank god! It is just a dream. Well-thought out research ideas ongoing struggle. You know that
This is the nightmare that haunts do not appear out of the blue. when you are not working, you are
every junior researcher. Granting Successful researchers read numer- potentially falling behind your com-
agency policies have made it ous papers in related fields to devel- petitors (read strong track record
increasingly difficult for young op their own ideas. They also note researchers). However, there is no
researchers to obtain funds, which the funders, the agencies interested doubt in my mind that with continual
has the potential to drive an entire in specific areas or projects. Their effort we can successfully compete
generation away from careers in next step is to obtain feedback from for grants from renowned funding
basic biomedical research. colleagues and mentors on both the agencies and excel in our careers.
To make matters worse, interna- research idea and the prospective
tionally, research funding has fallen funding agencies. Kashmira Nanji is working in the
and there is very tough competition Success in research is also Department of Family Medicine, AKU
for grants from well-known agencies dependent on the ability to effec- as a Senior Instructor (Research).
9
FEATURE
Boys to Men:
Reunion at 11,000 Feet
Haider Warraich
MBBS 09
FEATURE
11
REFLECTIONS
“Time flies at AKU”, said our facilitator teaching the about memorising facts, but it is also about finding out
blood and inflammation module, an AKU graduate him- your consultant’s likes and dislikes. It is a time when you
self. As we sat through the class, we thought that if we fin- look up to the final year students and consider them
ished this chapter it would be a big achievement, let alone Mr/Miss Know-All and wonder in awe if you will ever be
completing five years at AKU. able to reach their level. Third year is all about waiting for
We may all be familiar with four seasons, but at AKU that one rotation in ENT and Eye. V Very soon you turn a
we have five: one for every year that we spend here. page as the fourth year finally dawns.
The first season is all about getting
used to the surroundings. It is a year of
big decisions, of the sort that one has
never made or never will again.
Decisions like whether to study from
Guyton or Harrison, whether to be a
part of the many societies on campus
or to just stick to studying, whether to
contest the elections as a candidate or
to just support a friend, whether to
study from Lippincott or just do Dr
PI’s (Dr Pervaiz Iqbal) lectures – all
have to be made. And before you
know it, you are studying for your first
professional. Not knowing what to do,
like a docile sheep you follow the
herd, you spend the day in the library
trying to study and the night in the
graveyard cafe. And just when you feel
like you are on the brink of failing the AKU U Medical College courtyard, Pakistan.
first exam in your life, a senior student
comes to the rescue and introduces the magical word of If I were to summarise year four, its LR OR (Labour
totas (sample questions) to your vocabulary. And what fol- Room, Operating Room). Don’t get me wrong, but most of
lows is well known. We sail smoothly into the second sea- our rotations do revolve around that one room. In obstet-
son of AKU. rics and gynaecology you see mothers delivering, in paedi-
Some ambiguities still remain. But this time around, atrics you are concerned of the well-being of the child who
one is more accustomed to the surroundings. This year has been delivered and in anaesthesiology, you assist in
marks one of the most dreaded modules of all, neuro- putting mothers to sleep.
sciences and its professional exam, one of the toughest of The final season at AKU is a year of realisation that so
the five years. This season ends too. many things have changed around you: your group, your
Before you know it, the lab coats become your daily ambitions and sometimes even your whole perspective
attire, your patients are no longer simulated, their pain and toward life. YYou realise that behind that façade of Mr/Miss
suffering no longer unreal, their smiles and tears no longer Know-All is someone who is afraid of being insulted in
fake. If you think you have climbed up the professional front of their seniors. It did surprise me that at the end of
ladder, think again, because you have just been thrown, five years one leaves this place equipped with the knowl-
once again, to the very bottom. Only this time, it is a edge of diagnosing diseases, understanding patients and
changed world. Once it was your facilitators guiding you, learning to read laboratory reports. So time does actually
now it is the consultants, once it was the lecture halls, now fly and all I can do is smile in affirmation to what my
Y soon realise that homework is not all
it is the wards. You facilitator said at the beginning of my seasons at AKU.
12
REFLECTIONS
A Journey My Way
Just Begun Shazia Naz Waris, Post RN BScN 09
I am a proud AKU alumnus living in Everyone has a life story and I want was the right choice for me. WWith the
the USA. Like many of us, I too had to share my enriching experiences as great nurse leaders at the Hospital as
a dream: to pursue higher education, a nurse with my fellow nurses. role models and mentors, there have
the seed of which was sown when I I had never met a nurse before I been many opportunities to mature
was only a second year nursing stu- joined this profession. During my and increase my nursing capacities.
dent. Looking at many of our faculty high school years, I read about For three years I worked as a
who had Master’s and PhD degrees Florence Nightingale in a textbook bed-side nurse in the obstetric unit
– back when not many and she so captured my attention with postnatal mothers and new-
nurses had these cre- that I wanted to pursue nursing. It borns. I was a unit team leader and
dentials – I would was not easy entering this profes- also worked as a nursery nurse, spe-
always wonder, what sion as my entire family did not cial care nurse and medication nurse.
it would be like to be support my decision. “We do not In 2007, Aga Khan University
a nurse with a gradu- want to waste our girls on nursing; offered to sponsor my Post RN
ate degree to her nurses have no worth” were the BScN studies – and that was one of
name? Seventeen words of one uncle. Nonetheless I the happiest moments of my life. It
years later, I hold an was able to join the profession at reaffirmed the fact that my dedicated
MSN degree and am a the young age of 16. I came to live efforts had not been wasted.
Family Nurse in a hostel and it was a challenge to I completed my two-year degree
Practitioner. This is a adjust to the new environment. But programme and rejoined the same
very different role with the support of my teachers and obstetric unit as a Clinical Nurse
from a traditional friends, I was able to excel in my Instructor where my main responsi-
nurse for now the nursing diploma. T Today, I still bilities are in staff development,
scope of what I can do vividly remember the words of my patient safety and satisfaction. We
has increased: I have principal, “You are the right hand of have a multidisciplinary team
the authority to diag- our institute.” approach that is exciting and chal-
nose as well as pre- There were many memorable lenging and always a learning expe-
Ayesha Vellani
scribe medicines. This incidents during my diploma pro- rience for me.
is quite challenging as gramme. As a second year student, I I hear from other nurses about
one has to keep abreast of new med- shared a room with three others. the lack of work satisfaction but I
ical guidelines and also learn about One particular day, thinking it was 6 don’t agree. I feel that I am one of
new diseases and conditions. am and that we were late for clini- the luckiest people in the world. My
What I have learnt is that the sky cals, we hurriedly changed into our profession has not only given me
is the limit. We are very fortunate uniforms and rushed for breakfast – satisfaction but has also made me
that our roots in nursing come from only to glance out of the window one of the strongest earning mem-
Aga Khan University School of and see stars shining in the dark bers in my family, which now sees
Nursing and we can very proudly tell sky. It was 6 pm and not 6 am and a me as a role model.
everyone that we are AKU grads! reflection of how passionate and I want to continue this amazing
Higher education can open the enthusiastic we were about our journey in nursing. The challenges
doors to many opportunities in the nursing duties. that I have faced and overcome in
future. We can make a difference in On completing my diploma, I life have made me a stronger per-
a person’s life, or in a community, in joined Aga Khan University Hospital son. I am also proud of how I
a nation and together in the whole as a registered nurse in 2003. I will changed my family’s perception
world. But equipping one’s self with never forget those early days of about the profession, and I am
adequate formal education is the learning and how I progressed in pleased to know that they are now
key. In education the “journey has refining my nursing skills. I soon proud of my achievements as a pro-
just begun”. realised that the nursing profession fessional nurse.
13
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
Hasan B. Alam, MBBS ’90 is Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and the Director of
Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program. He is also the Director of Research, Division of Trauma,
Emergency Surgery and Surgical Critical Care at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Dr Alam is an
internationally renowned investigator in the field of trauma research, and an inspiring teacher in both
clinical and laboratory settings.
Tell us about your early years? chief resident in general surgery sor of surgery at the Georgetown
I received my medical education in from 1997-98. Later, I did a fel- University Medical School and the
Karachi, Pakistan from the lowship in trauma and surgical crit- Uniformed Services University of
Adamjee Science College in 1984 ical care at Washington Hospital the Health Sciences. I then shifted
and a medical degree from AKU- Center, followed by a postdoctoral to the Massachusetts General
MC in 1990. After interning for a research fellowship at the Hospital (MGH) in 2005.
year at the University Hospital, I Uniformed Services University of
did my residency at the Washington the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Can you tell us a little bit more
Hospital Centre, serving as the Maryland. I was associate profes- about your work at MGH?
14
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
After I took up the directorship of for brain injury, and design of new Teaching is the most enjoyable
the Surgical Critical Care/Acute tools and devices. A number of my aspect of my academic career, and
Care Surgery Fellowship at MGH, findings have been translated into the major reason why I will never
under my leadership, this pro- clinical practice during the wars in go into private practice. In many
gramme has become one of the Iraq and Afghanistan, and have ways we try to evolve into role
most sought-after fellowships in the saved many lives. models. I have benefited enor-
US. I am also the Medical Director mously from my teachers at AKU
of the Knight’s Surgical Laboratory How do you obtain funding for and in the US, and I continue to
at MGH. Currently, I am going your research work? use them as inspiration during my
through the promotion process to be Over the last 10 years I have own development and growth. In
appointed as full professor at the secured competitive federal some sense this is a journey with-
Harvard Medical School. research grants from a variety of out an end.
sources. These projects developed
What other activities are you advanced dressings for the control You appear to have struck a bal-
involved in outside Harvard of bleeding, new methods for ance between research and teach-
Medical School? replacing lost blood, drugs to main- ing, clinical work and adminis-
I have had several administrative and tain life following massive injuries, trative responsibilities. Give us
leadership responsibilities over the and improved our understanding of an insight as to how you man-
last few years which span across the cellular changes during shock. aged to successfully achieve this?
local, regional, and national arenas. In 2009 alone, I was awarded three There is no simple formula, but
Since 2008, I have chaired the grants as a principal investigator experience has taught me that five
American College of Surgeons worth nearly $8 million (including things are critical for success: 1)
Committee on Trauma and the State a new R01 grant from the NIH). Finding the right mentors, 2)
Trauma Outcomes Committee for the Soon after my arrival at the MGH, impeccable time management, 3)
Department of Public Health in the I established a première trauma careful planning and setting mean-
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I research programme which was ingful goals, 4) writing regularly,
am also a consultant to the funded by numerous grants from and 5) marrying the right person.
Massachusetts Health Commissioner the US Department of Defense and My residents often laugh about the
for trauma related issues. the National Institutes of Health. last point, but without a supportive
At the national and international spouse you can’t juggle all these
levels, I am part of 15 major soci- What do you believe is the responsibilities without sacrificing
eties to which I actively contribute impact of your work? How are your family.
on various committees. Recently, I people benefiting from it? Intelligence and hard work are
was elected as a member of the Injuries are the leading cause of not as important as discipline and
American Surgical Association, the death for young people. In the US, perseverance. You will find nearly
nation’s oldest and most prestigious more individuals under the age of everyone around you to be intelli-
surgical organisation whose mem- 34 are killed by injuries than all gent and hard working. But, in a
bership is widely acknowledged as a other causes put together. demanding academic environment,
seal of academic excellence. I am Even in developing countries people who can’t manage their
also on the editorial boards of four intentional and unintentional time properly don’t thrive.
peer-reviewed journals including the injuries are rapidly becoming a Similarly, the common trait in all
Critical Care Medicine, the most major health care issue. The eco- academically successful individuals
prestigious publication in its field nomic impact of death and disabili- is that they write very well, and
and also serve as an ad-hoc reviewer ty in this segment of the population they write regularly.
for 20 publications. is clearly huge. Developing meth- All of my trainees are required
ods to save lives of these young to write something every day, at
What is the focus of your research? people has enormous health care, least five days a week. Whether
My interest is in developing life social, and economic implications. they write a manuscript, grant pro-
saving methods for trauma patients. posal, research protocol, blog or
Therefore, my research work Within two years of joining the poetry is not as important as the
focuses on innovative methods for MGH, you were awarded the fact that they acquire the discipline
controlling bleeding, resuscitation, Charles J. McCabe Surgical to write on schedule. The written
cooling the body for preservation, Resident’s Teaching Award. How word is the currency of academic
developing drugs to prevent death would you assess your journey as promotion, and you can’t succeed
following lethal injuries, treatments a teacher? without being a prolific writer.
15
COVER STORY
Salimah Meghani, Post RN BScN ’97, went on to earn several degrees from the University of
Pennsylvania: MSN in Adult Acute Care, MBE in Biomedical Ethics and PhD in Nursing/Health
Disparities. She has also completed her postdoctoral training from the University of Pennsylvania,
School of Nursing at the Center for Health Disparities Research. She is now Assistant Professor in the
Biobehavioral and Health Sciences Division, Penn Nursing.
Why did you choose nursing as in health care and the mechanisms
a career? that make irrelevant characteristics
I wish I could say that I knew all relevant in health outcomes. My
about the wonderful possibilities work has raised awareness of these
of a career in nursing at the very issues and I have participated at
outset but my professional begin- national level to strategise policies
nings were not very well thought to ameliorate these disparities.
out. The motivation at the time My research has also explored
was the emphasis by His Highness inequities in opioid (such as mor-
the Aga Khan on the profession of phine) availability for pain relief
nursing and its promise for between developed and developing
improving both the lives of people nations; a component of this work
and the social standing of women. includes efforts to understand the
policy-level impediments underly-
What are your current involve- ing these international disparities.
ments?
My role at Penn Nursing includes What stereotypes, if any, have you
teaching, advising and mentoring faced about nursing? What has
students as well as developing and changed and why?
sustaining a programme of Although we have come a long way,
research on health disparities, stereotypes about nursing are still
health care decision-making, present in many segments of socie-
behavioural economics and symp- What can you tell us about your ty. The stereotypes have changed in
tom management outcomes in vul- current research? What do you instances where nurses have stepped
nerable populations. I am also an believe is the impact of your out of their traditional roles and
Associate Fellow of Bioethics at work? demonstrated potential as leaders
University of Pennsylvania School My research programme, supported and visionaries.
of Medicine and a member of the by the National Institutes of Health By way of an example – and
New Courtland Center for and other grants, is geared towards since I am a pain disparities
Transitions and Health. improving health outcomes in the researcher – a number of past presi-
In a nutshell, my role is to con- most vulnerable populations. My dents of the American Pain Society
tribute to the rich academic culture current research is related to cancer have been nurses. These nurses have
of the University through scholarly pain treatment disparities among offered leadership and vision to a
work, leadership and to prepare the racial and ethnic minorities; it large national professional body
next generation of nurse clinicians addresses why certain groups of comprising of bench scientists,
and researchers. individuals are treated differentially anaesthesiologists, surgeons, den-
16
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
17
REUNION 2010
18
REUNION 2010
Nurses Reunite!
19
CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
20
CLASS NOTES
Medical College Ayesha Hasan is currently paediatric Karachi site coordinator of a research
Chief of Staff at the Winnie study on developing a model surveil-
1995 Community Hospital in Texas. lance system for cardiometabolic dis-
eases, with Emory University, for the
Muna Bhutta, with an MRCOG Yassar Ahmed recently finished his Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk
from the UK, presently works as a infectious diseases fellowship from Reduction for South Asia.
Consultant, Obstetrics and the Baylor College of Medicine in
Gynaecology in Riyadh, Saudi Houston and is now an infectious dis- 2009
Arabia. She is a mother of four and eases consultant within the Texas
her husband, Dr Waheed Hashmi, is Medical Centre. Abdul Saboor Memon, after com-
a general, paediatric and laparoscop- pleting his residency in anaesthesia
ic surgeon. 2002 from AKU, has been working as a
Senior Registrar at the Memon
1997 Hamid Bashir remembers the class Medical Institute, a project of Memon
of 2002 as very diverse, involved in Health and Education Foundation.
Suraiya Rahman moved from musical events and annual days.
Kansas to Los Angeles with her fami- During his residency and fellowship 2010
ly this summer. Practicing as a paedi- days in the US, aware of the negative
atric hospitalist in Kansas, she devel- image of Pakistan, he set up Anam Khan recently got married to
oped an interest in teaching. She is Music4Cause, a forum to promote Waleed Kayani MBBS ’07, who is
now enrolled in the Master of peace and harmony via music. In less doing his residency at the Baylor
Academic Medicine, an online pro- than a year, its YouTube page has College of Medicine.
gramme customised for working pro- received more than 8,000 hits. His
fessionals at the University of music has made it to the ARY music Komal Masood recently got engaged
Southern California (USC). She was channel and he performed for the to Ehad Afreen KEMU ’10.
happy to find a fellow alumnus from Daniel Pearl World Music Day.
the class of 1999 in one of her cours- Mariam Anis got engaged to Farooq
es. Suraiya also teaches first and sec- Muna Ahmed welcomed a new addi- Khan MBBS ’06, who is doing his
ond year medical students at USC’s tion to her family, Zorina, who was residency at the University of
Keck School of Medicine, which born September 14, 2010. Cincinnati and they are due to get
reminds her of AKU. One of the married this coming February.
courses she teaches is Professionalism 2006
in the Practice of Medicine. Institute for Educational
Fazal Arain is currently doing a PhD Development
1998 in neuroscience from Vanderbilt
University, Nashville, Tennessee. 2006
Adil Haider was recently appointed
Director of the Centre for Surgery 2007 Najma Raja, a graduate from the
Trials and Outcomes Research, Johns Centre of English Language’s
Hopkins School of Medicine. Zuhaib Ibrahim won the first prize Advanced Diploma programme, was
in the surgical resident jeopardy held recently awarded a shield for the
2001 by Pennsylvania keystone chapter of Most Dedicated Teacher from the
the American College of Surgery. principal of the PECHS Government
Agha Feroze’s special interests lie Residents from eight general surgery College for Women.
in aesthetics and anti-aging proce- residency programmes participated in
dures. He has set up clinics in this event. 2007
Rawalpindi and Islamabad which he
runs with his wife’s help. He is also 2009 Anthony Gioko was one of the
the founder and managing director regional winners of the 2010
of two local charities. Hassan Khan, who did his MSc in Innovative Teacher Awards at the
Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Pan-African Innovative Education
Asad Ali is Assistant Professor at AKU, is working as a research coor- Forum hosted by the Microsoft
the Department of Paediatrics and dinator at the Community Health Partners in Learning Network. “I
Child Health at Aga Khan Sciences Department at Aga Khan will tell my students this is like
University, Karachi. University, Karachi. He is also the playing in the World Cup, but better
21
CLASS NOTES
– it’s for teachers!” He received his 1986 Consultant with Catco Kids Inc. In
award for Innovation in Content, this current role, she has updated
one of the four main competition Karima Gulwani specialises in health policies, developed and con-
categories and went on to represent geriatric nursing and is in her 12th ducted medical training programmes
Africa at the sixth annual Worldwide year as the Director of Nursing at related to the health of the child,
Innovative Education Forum held in Santa Monica Convalescent Centre. evacuation plans and health and
South Africa in October. safety inspections.
1991
Shairoze Jessani is currently work- 1998
ing as head of the academic unit of a After having a baby in March,
higher secondary school. She attend- Amynah Pradhan returned as an Muhammad Afzal is the Principal
ed a summer programme on Islam in Oncology Research Nurse at the of Department of Nursing,
Cambridge last year. National Institutes of Health in University of Lahore. In 2005, he
Bethesda, Maryland, and as a Nurse was appointed Deputy Manager,
In recognition of her 20 years of Practitioner at a family practice clin- Nursing at the Liaquat National
service at the Habib Girls’ School ic. Being an advanced practice nurse Hospital in Karachi and in 2006 was
and for her contributions to improv- has broadened her horizon in deliv- promoted as Manager. After his
ing the School’s education system, ering primary care to the public and MScN, he joined Saida Waheed
Simeen Saleem, senior coordinator she hopes that this programme can FMH College of Nursing, Lahore as
in the Science Department, was also be brought to Pakistan. Senior Nursing Instructor.
nominated for the Service
Excellence Award, KFC in 2009. Fauzia Pesnani (formerly Molwani) 1999
worked at AKU for almost eight years
School of Nursing before shifting to Shell Pakistan as an Rozmeen Shivji is working at the
occupational health nurse/administra- University of Chicago as an Acute
1983 tor. Developing a keen interest in this Care Nurse Practitioner.
field, she enrolled in a three-year
Shehnaz Jiwany sends greetings to postgraduate diploma programme in After graduation, Shamsa Virani
all former colleagues and cherishes Occupational Health and Safety moved to Los Angeles, California,
the sweet memories of working with Management at the University of where she pursued her Bachelor’s
them at Aga Khan University and is South Australia, Adelaide. Since and Master’s in Nursing, and gradu-
thankful to the AKU-NAMA team January 2009, she has been working ated as a Nurse Practitioner/Clinical
for helping her connect with friends with a leading pharmaceutical compa- Nurse Specialist from the University
once again. ny. She has also completed the of California, Los Angeles in 2006.
OHSAS (Occupational Health and She is currently working at Los
1985 Safety Management Systems) Angeles County Hospital as a Nurse
18001:2007 Lead Auditors course Practitioner in Internal Medicine and
Mehmooda Afroz has worked as a offered by SGS. at a Rape Crisis Centre in LA. “As
midwife for 12 years; of these, nine tough as the job is, it makes me
have been with AKHS where she is Nasreen Hussain sends greetings to more understanding, patient and
Assistant Manager, Nursing all the alumni. empathic nurse and helps me see a
Development. Currently she is doing very different side of nursing care.”
her BScN – her dream ever since Shirin Valliani is a proud AKU In October 2009, she took a six-
she received her midwifery diploma alumna living in the USA. Having month sabbatical and went to work
in 1986 from Aga Khan Hospital for completed her MSN in Family in Egypt with the Aga Khan
Women, Garden (formerly Aga Nurse Practice, she feels fortunate to Foundation. AKU-SON has part-
Khan Maternity Home, Garden) – have fulfilled these dreams. Her nered with the Egyptian Om-
and plans to go onto a Master’s in message to colleagues and friends is Habibeh Foundation (an AKDN
Midwifery from AKU. to always feel proud of their roots as affiliate) in Aswan, to build local
they reach for the sky. nursing capacities.
Rozina Dattu has completed her
Post RN BScN programme this year, 1992 2001
and is working as head nurse at the
Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Shireen Jan Mohammad is work- Mehtab Jaffer is presently working
Children, Kharadar. ing as a Child Care Health as a Clinical Nurse Instructor in out-
22
CLASS NOTES
patient services at AKU. She finds it at Aga Khan University and will
a challenging task to work with graduate in 2011. Request for
countless specialities in a clinic but Contributions
it helps her acquire new skills while 2007
working with different consultants The editors of AKU-NAMA invite
and surgeons. After graduation, Atiya Khowaja you to contribute to the next issue
worked at the Cardiac Intensive of the magazine.
2002 Care Unit (ICU) at AKUH and Your story may highlight inter-
recently enrolled in the Master’s in esting career options, unique job
Farida Khan was promoted to the health policy management pro- experiences, ground-breaking
position of Acting Director at Al gramme at AKU. research, innovative public service
Shifa College of Nursing, initiatives, or other materials of
Islamabad. Minaz Mawani completed her criti- particular interest to the alumni.
cal care nursing course from George You can also contribute opinion
2003 Brown College, Ontario and is pieces on trends in education and
working at Cardiac ICU, AKUH. modern technology, book reviews
Shela Hirani has completed her and travelogues. Letters to the edi-
Advanced Diploma in Early Child Sindhu Sharifani was promoted tor are also welcome.
Development from AKU’s Human Assistant Head Nurse at the Aga Article length should be
Back cover photo: Medical College graduates at Conovocation 2010, Pakistan / AKU
Development Programme and has Khan Hospital for Women and approximately 500-600 words.
defended her Master’s thesis on Children, Kharadar. Photographs are welcome but they
Testing Psychometric Properties of must be high resolution digital pho-
an Instrument Designed to Measure 2008 tographs (JPEG files over 1MB).
Pakistani Urban Working Mothers’ Articles can be submitted at
Perceptions about Breastfeeding Saima Rajpali is working as a regis- www.aku.edu/alumni/alumni_frmar
Support. Shela is currently working tered nurse at the Bone Marrow ticles.asp
as a Senior Instructor at AKU-SON. Transplant Unit, AKUH since Class notes can be submitted at
November 2008. She delivered a www.aku.edu/alumni/alumni_class-
2004 presentation, ‘Specialised Nursing notes.asp
Care Dealing with BMT’ as part of a Do you know any alumni still
Kashmira Nanji completed her programme to mark the 100th bone not on the AKU-NAMA mailing
MSc in Epidemiology and marrow transplant procedure carried list? Send them to
Biostatistics at AKU in 2009 and out at the Hospital. www.aku.edu/alumni/alumni_con-
received a distinction for her thesis. tact.asp
She was recently appointed Senior 2009 Thank you for all your previ-
Instructor, Research, Department of ous submissions, feedback and sug-
Family Medicine. Gulzar Habibullah was offered a gestions. Now let’s keep the ball
position as guest lecturer in the rolling for the upcoming issue.
Zohra Jassani (formerly Kabirani) School of Nursing, Khyber Medical
is working for Aga Khan Health University. She has also been working
Service, Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. as Vice Principal in the Community
She is proud to work as an AKU Midwife School, Battagram under the
graduate in a sister organisation in National Maternal, Newborn and
the East African region. Child Health Programme.
23
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TEL: +92 21 3493 0051, FAX: +92 21 3493 4294; EMAIL: ALUMNI@AKU.EDU; WEBSITE: WWW.AKU.EDU/ALUMNI