Voices of the Experts in Our Midst | Mentoring Doctors on WhatsApp in Pakistan – Dr Sidra Hasan

Dr. Sidra Hasan, a GP in Walsall with Pakistani heritage, is improving Pakistani medical practices through a 200-member WhatsApp group. Her platform merges the cost-effective practices of the NHS with international insights, guiding Pakistani doctors on prudent medication use and patient monitoring. In Pakistan, patients must pay for healthcare, underscoring the importance of informed prescribing practices. Sidra’s work emphasises the importance of patient education and the ongoing need for enhanced doctor training. 

Group members exchange individual cases and stories and seek collective insights on approaching specific patient scenarios, and the platform has evolved into an expansive learning hub, benefitting not only group members but also their colleagues. Sidra, drawing from NHS guidelines, provides invaluable mentorship, with her guidance resonating strongly: 

“They tend to value the advice that I provide on this platform because they know that this advice comes from here, and their feedback is that most of what I suggest makes sense even in their situations… It is very rewarding for me because I’m able to support my colleagues back home, who do not have the opportunity to be trained in a way that I have been trained, and I think they really value my opinion. So, it is helpful for them as well”. 

The medical curriculum is a significant challenge in Pakistan. Sidra contends that the Pakistani training program leans too heavily on theory and textbooks, neglecting practical training. In contrast, UK medical students gain practical experience in GP practices much earlier in their education. Sharing her insights with her Pakistani colleagues, Sidra has advocated for a curriculum shift: 

“So I have taken this message back home to the college that I was training in, and they are rotating more medical students earlier, as well as into the hospital and wards for them to see patients as well. So, there is this change, I would say, which I have brought”. 

Dr. Sidra’s guidance is not just theoretical but is a testament to the impact of holding expertise in two healthcare systems. Her mentorship has become a cornerstone for Pakistani doctors striving to align with global medical standards, ensuring that patient care is both safe and scientifically sound. Sidra has been able to elevate clinical practices whilst also contribute to a broader shift towards a more sustainable and ethical approach to medicine in Pakistan. 

Discover more stories like Sidra’s in our Voices of the Experts in Our Midst report. 

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