(PhD, MBA/MS (Health), CHQP, Six Sigma (Black Belt), Dip. In Patient Safety (JHU) and Chairperson TORG Pakistan Chapter)
TORG-MAG Vol 1 Issue 1, PP. 17-19
Introduction and Academic Background
a. Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey, from becoming a Surgical Technologist to pursuing advanced degrees such as a PhD, MS/MBA in Health, and a Diploma in Patient Safety?
Ans: I started my career as a Surgical Technologist in 2003, by obtaining a one-year Diploma in OR Technology from Sindh Medical Faculty. In 2006, I joined Aga Khan University, specializing in Obs/Gynae, General, and Laparoscopic Surgeries. Alongside, I pursued continuous education, completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Sciences in 2009. Post-graduation, I delved into Perfusion Sciences at Aga Khan University. In 2012, I became the Operating Room Manager at a leading tertiary care hospital and my educational journey continued with an MBA & MS in Healthcare Management in 2014, followed by a PhD in Management Sciences, defended in 2020. Focusing on patient safety, I obtained certifications like CHQP, Green Belt, Black Belt in Lean Sigma, and a Diploma in Patient Safety from John Hopkins University in 2022.
b. How have your academic achievements influenced your role as a Surgical Technologist?
Ans: Yes, my academic achievements have enriched my skills as a Surgical Technologist, empowering me to assume leadership roles, implement best practices, and contribute to the field’s advancement in alignment with international healthcare standards.
Surgical Technology and Patient Safety
★★★★★
a. As a Surgical Technologist with a focus on patient safety, how do you integrate your knowledge and skills to ensure the highest standards of safety in the operating room?
Ans: Dedicated to patient safety, I ensure operating room safety by adhering to protocols, staying updated through continuous education, and fostering communication within the surgical team. Active participation in safety checks, emergency response training, and quality assurance practices are integral. My role extends to advocating for patients’ safety, addressing concerns promptly, and contributing to postoperative assessments.
b. Can you share specific initiatives or practices you’ve implemented to enhance patient safety within surgical procedures?
Ans: I pioneered initiatives for patient safety, introducing the WHO patient safety checklist in Karachi, implementing SSI monitoring, Swab counting System, and Antimicrobial Stewardship within the OR. Additionally, I developed a dashboard and PowerBI application to control, monitor, and improve operating room processes, trained over 100 professionals to enhance OR quality in Pakistan.
PhD Research
a. Could you provide insights into your current PhD research and how it aligns with your work as a Surgical Technologist and Chairperson of TORG Pakistan Chapter?
Ans: My PhD research focuses on optimizing surgical processes by identifying effective leadership styles contributing to improved Healthcare Organizations and OR Management. This aligns with my roles as a Surgical Technologist, OR Manager, and Healthcare Leader, prioritizing efficiency and safety in critical care services. As Chairperson of TORG Pakistan Chapter, the research contributes to training programs and initiatives advancing surgical technology through education and innovation.
b. How do you envision your research contributing to advancements in surgical technology or patient care?
Ans: My research aims to advance surgical technology and patient care by optimizing processes, enhancing safety protocols, and introducing innovative technologies. The insights gained will inform best practices, leading to improved patient outcomes and a more efficient surgical environment.
MS/MBA in Health
a. How has obtained an MS/MBA in Health complemented your role in surgical technology, and what strategic insights have you gained from the business and management perspective?
Ans: Obtaining an MS/MBA in Health enhanced my role by providing a broader understanding of healthcare from a business and management perspective. Strategic insights include improved decision-making, resource management proficiency, and a comprehensive view of healthcare systems. This knowledge aligns surgical technology practices with organizational goals, enhancing overall healthcare delivery.
b. In what ways do you apply business and management principles to enhance healthcare delivery in your current role?
Ans: I apply business and management principles by optimizing resource utilization, implementing cost-effective measures, and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals. This includes streamlining operating room processes, efficient surgical supplies management, and ensuring the surgical team operates within a framework prioritizing patient care and operational effectiveness.
Chairperson of TORG Pakistan Chapter
a. As the Chairperson of the TORG Pakistan Chapter, how do you foster collaboration and professional development within the surgical technologist community?
Ans: I foster collaboration and professional development by organizing educational events, workshops, and networking opportunities. These initiatives provide platforms for knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and the establishment of a supportive professional network. Additionally, I encourage active participation in discussions, knowledge-sharing forums, and mentorship programs to facilitate continuous learning and collaboration.
b. Can you share some successful initiatives or events organized by the TORG Pakistan Chapter that have positively impacted the members?
Ans: Successful initiatives include educational workshops on surgical technology advancements, seminars addressing key challenges, and networking events. We’ve implemented mentorship programs pairing experienced members with those seeking guidance. These initiatives positively impacted members by enhancing their skills, fostering community, and providing insights for professional growth. Up till now, we had done three training workshops in past three months and conducted two research in OR field. There are 10 workshops planned at regional level to contribute to OR educational excellence.
Professional Platform and Networking
a. How has the online professional platform, TORG, benefited surgical technologists in Pakistan, and what role do you believe networking plays in the professional growth of individuals in the field?
Ans: TORG has significantly benefited surgical technologists by serving as a centralized hub for knowledge sharing, networking, and professional development. Through TORG, members access information, stay updated on trends, and engage in discussions.
Networking on TORG plays a crucial role in professional growth by creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement. There was no such platform available in Pakistan, on country level for Operating Rooms professionals to play the role of hub, to make the OR community educated, up skilled and aware of recent advancement in the field of Technology and AI.
b. Are there specific challenges unique to the Pakistani context that the TORG Pakistan Chapter aims to address?
Ans: The TORG Pakistan Chapter aims to address challenges unique to Pakistan, including resource availability, training opportunities, and adherence to international standards in surgical technology. One of the most challenging issue is to create the awareness and getting buying-In of OR community in Pakistan, as the most of professional has no formal qualification.
While the second biggest issue is lack of funding, govt. support and lack of resources. By focusing on these challenges, the chapter strives to provide tailored solutions, offer relevant educational initiatives, and create a supportive network meeting the specific needs of surgical technologists in Pakistan.
Balancing Academic Pursuits and Professional Practice
a. Balancing a PhD program, multiple degrees, and professional responsibilities can be challenging. How do you manage your time effectively, and what advice do you have for individuals navigating similar paths?
Ans: Balancing multiple responsibilities requires effective time management, prioritization, and a realistic schedule. I manage time by creating a detailed schedule, kept some flexibility, setting clear priorities, and allocating dedicated blocks for research, academic pursuits, and professional duties. Leveraging tools and technologies to stay organized is very essential.
b. How do your academic pursuits enhance your skills and expertise as a surgical technologist?
Ans: Academic pursuits enhance my skills by exposing me to cutting-edge research and encouraging continuous learning. The knowledge gained equips me with a holistic understanding of healthcare systems, allowing me to approach surgical technology strategically, implement evidence-based practices, and contribute to safe patient care.
Innovation in Surgical Technology
a. Given the rapid advancements in healthcare technology, how do you stay informed about the latest innovations in surgical technology, and how do you integrate these innovations into your practice?
Ans: To stay informed, I engage in continuous education, attend conferences, and participate in professional networks, TORG help me a lot to achieve this goal. Subscribing to journals, following industry publications, and Health Expos, and leveraging online platforms ensures real-time updates. Integrating innovations involves attending training, collaborating with experts, and piloting new technologies in a controlled environment before full implementation is very essential to make it successful.
b. Are there specific technologies or trends that you find particularly promising for the future of surgical technology?
Ans: Promising technologies include robotic-assisted surgeries, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence applications. These have the potential to revolutionize surgical procedures, improve outcomes, and advance the field.
Mentorship and Leadership
a. As someone with extensive academic and professional experience, do you actively engage in mentorship, and what role do you believe mentorship plays in the career development of surgical technologists?
Ans: I actively engage in mentorship, believing it plays a pivotal role in career development. Mentorship provides guidance, shares experiences, and fosters a supportive learning environment. It contributes not only to technical skills but also cultivates leadership qualities, resilience, and a strong professional identity.
b. How do you approach leadership within the surgical technology field, both in your professional practice and as the Chairperson of TORG Pakistan Chapter?
Ans: Leadership involves setting a vision, empowering team members, and creating a culture of excellence. In professional practice, I lead by example, practicing & participation, encouraging collaboration, prioritizing patient safety, and operational efficiency. As Chairperson, I focus on a community-driven approach, fostering networking, professional development, and knowledge exchange.
Future Goals and Aspirations
a. Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations, both in terms of your academic pursuits and your role as a Surgical Technologist and Chairperson of TORG Pakistan Chapter?
Ans: Future goals include advancing academic pursuits, enhancing patient safety as a Surgical Technologist, and expanding initiatives as Chairperson. Commitment to lifelong learning, innovation, and a supportive environment for the surgical technologist community align with these goals.
b. How do you envision contributing to the advancement of surgical technology and healthcare in the coming years?
Ans: Active participation in research, implementing evidence-based practices, and promoting technological innovations will contribute to surgical technology and healthcare.
As Chairperson, I aim to establish partnerships, develop linkages, organize impactful events, and advocate for policies elevating surgical technology standards in Pakistan. Combining academic exploration, practical application, and community engagement, I strive to drive a positive evolution in surgical technology and healthcare delivery.
TORG Magazine (TORG-MAG)
Maiden Edition: Surgical Symphony, Issue 1 Vol 1 Aug 2024
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