UHS has included Professionalism in the curriculum
of Undergraduates as well as Postgraduates
8th ICHPE Pre-Conference Workshop at UHS
LAHORE: Upholding moral values and practicing professional standards are at the heart of professionalism and it should be practiced by all the healthcare professionals. This was stated by Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore Vice Chancellor of University of Health Sciences while speaking at the ICHPE Pre-conference workshop organized at UHS on October 5th 2024. It was a part of numerous pre-conference workshops organized by University of Lahore in various medical institutions. Mr. Shaukat Ali Jawaid Chief Editor Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences was the facilitator who discussed “Practicing Professionalism to Ensure Success”. Dr. Lamia Yousuf from Dept. of Medical Education from UHS was the coordinator of the workshop and it was attended by faculty members from UHS and other institutions.
Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore highlighted the importance of embedding professionalism in medical education, stating, “Professionalism is not just about adhering to ethical codes; it’s about building trust with patients and society.
Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore Vice Chancellor University of Health Sciences (center) speaking at the Pre-conference workshop on “Practicing Professionalism to Ensure Success” organized by University of Lahore at UHS as a part of its just concluded 8th ICHPE on November 5th 2024. Mr. Shaukat Ali Jawaid Chief Editor Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences was the facilitator.
Today’s workshop is an opportunity for our healthcare providers to understand the core values that should guide their work throughout their careers.” The Vice Chancellor stressed that professionalism is integral to healthcare quality and outcomes. He noted, “Healthcare in Pakistan faces unique challenges that require professionals not only with skill but also with compassion and integrity. Workshops like these provide invaluable training to equip our students with these essential qualities.”
Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore said that at the UHS they have included Professionalism in the curriculum of undergraduates as well as postgraduates. It is being taught to not only the medical graduates but Nurses, Paramedics and students of all other allied health sciences, he added. How to respect your seniors, colleagues, how to communicate with others, be truthful, honest and follow the laid down professional standards in your respective areas is essential, he remarked.
Mr. Shaukat Ali Jawaid thanked the Vice Chancellor UHS for his keen interest in academics. UHS, he said, was our home and at times one does get frustrated at slow pace of working which is a hall mark of public sector institutions but we are making worthwhile progress. In his presentation, he pointed out that there is a difference between haste and speed, do not opt for short cuts. One should never try to be the best in every fields but be great at one. It is also important to find some time to Think. People who keep themselves busy all the time are not creative. Try to get rid of Email epidemics, leave many unwanted groups in which you have been included by others. In fact, many new tools are extensively misused. Personal contacts are extremely important in motivating your colleagues and staff. All new ideas should be written on paper on one page. Think like a beginner as they are more receptive to new ideas.
Beginners, Mr. Shaukat Ali Jawaid stated do not follow the routine. This is an important quality for innovative thinking. One should challenge everything as nothing is sacred. One can cut the cost to a great extent by questioning everything which one does not understand. Novel ideas come from novices. A vast majority of successful people are from the backbenches of their class. Carefully check the assumptions before taking decisions, he added.
He stated that one should not try to be the best but aim at being the only one who can do that. Have your own identity. Don’t compete but reinvent the game. Don’t imitate but try to innovate. If one tries to follow the leader, one will always remain a follower and won’t become a leader himself. Listen to your patients, students even when they are busy. Understand the importance of body language. Management through walking around is the new concept. Create an intensive caring environment in your institution, organization and learn how to manage hostile audience. Ensure effective inspiring communication. Students usually avoid attending class of bad teachers while the lecture hall will always be full if the teacher has mastered the art of communication skills. Make your presentation interesting by adding few relevant poetry couplets.
He advised the participants to learn to be cool, calm, under control when under pressure. Never react but always respond after carefully studying the situation. Try to learn from your mistakes. Those who do not learn are most likely to repeat those mistakes. It is not essential that orders should come from the Top all the time but many times solution to old problems can be found by just listening to the juniors. Game which is Fun is learnt faster and easier. Try to make teaching, training enjoyable for the participants. Listening is not a Skill but an Attitude. Listen to all new ideas. Showing interest in the ideas of others will win their confidence and also raise their moral. With powerful arguments, you can convince all others of your viewpoint and win the game in changing their mind and decision. Don’t satisfy but amaze and surprise your students, clients. One cannot learn anything without making mistakes and if you are not making mistakes, you are not trying anything new, he added.
Failure, he said, is not a crime but not to learn from one’s failures is a crime. Greatest ideas are often met with lot of criticism in the beginning by mediocre minds. All Truths are ridiculed or opposed. Most people feel happy while working in safe protective environment but always playing safe could also be dangerous, he added. One should be willing to try new ideas, accept challenges. Many most successful people in life were ordinary students in their class but with persistence, hard work, devotion and dedication, they became successful in life. He concluded his presentation by stating that there is always room at the top. One needs to be sincere to the profession one has chosen, honesty, hard work and one’s attitude towards others matter. Always acknowledge the help and support you got from others, keep yourself update by practicing continuous professional development, be truthful and maintain transparency in whatever you do, he remarked.
The workshop aimed to emphasize the vital role of professionalism in the medical field, addressing both the ethical responsibilities and the practical competencies required for healthcare professionals to succeed. Topics included effective communication, ethical practice, and strategies to enhance professionalism in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
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Group photograph of participants of a workshop on “Use of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education” facilitated by Prof. Rehan Ahmad Khan and Dr. Masood Jawaid. It was one of the pre-conference workshops organized by UOL on the eve of just concluded 8th ICHPE.
