Nursing coordinator gives back to train dialysis caregivers in Pakistan
It’s more than 8,300 miles from Dallas to Karachi, Pakistan.
So, when Farzana Madhani, B.S.N., RN, care coordinator at the University Hospital Kidney and Liver Transplant Clinic at UT Southwestern, trekked there to give back to the institutions where she learned to become a nurse, it’s safe to say she went the extra mile – and then some.
For the veteran caregiver, it was a labor of love to journey halfway around the world over the summer to share the latest techniques and information on dialysis treatment.
“I was honored to be selected to give refresher training to the hemodialysis staff at the Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi and Aga Khan Hospital in Gilgit,” Ms. Madhani said. “These institutions hold a special place in my heart, as they are where I completed my nursing education.”
Her visit took her to Aga Khan Hospital in Gilgit from Aug. 17 to Aug. 20 and to Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi from Sept. 2 to Sept. 12.
“My journey into providing voluntary service came through my involvement with the Ismaili Muslim community, particularly with the Ismaili Health Professionals Association,” Ms. Madhani said. “I went with a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to give back to the place that shaped my career.
“The education and hands-on experience I gained during my time there were foundational to my growth as a health care professional. As I have progressed in my career, I have felt a growing responsibility to return and contribute to these institutions that have given me so much.”
She described the teams at both Pakistani hospitals as welcoming and eager to learn. They were committed to improving their practices and delivering high-quality care to their patients, she said. During the refresher training, Ms. Madhani shared best practices, led infection control sessions, and conducted skills checks. She was pleased that staff members were enthusiastic about honing their skills despite the volume of materials to cover.
In Pakistan, dialysis training and practices face unique challenges, including the absence of institutions such as the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Medicare to provide guidance and oversee practices in dialysis clinics, according to Ms. Madhani. Additionally, there is a lack of standardized curricula and no centralized regulatory body to ensure uniformity and quality of care. However, these gaps also present opportunities for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to develop locally relevant training programs and implement systems that promote consistent, high-quality care.
Ms. Madhani’s visit contributed significantly to enhancing infection control practices, improving the recognition and management of complications, and streamlining workflows. It also supported the development of training programs for new dialysis personnel, providing a foundation for a more structured and sustainable approach to skill-building and capacity development in dialysis care.
Ms. Madhani said one of the most gratifying aspects of her visit was seeing how engaged staff members were during the sessions. They asked insightful questions, shared their experiences, and embraced the training wholeheartedly. The fact that many were master trainers themselves added another layer of responsibility, as they would be passing on this knowledge to their teams.
Would she do it all over again? Undoubtably.
“This work is especially important to me because I believe in the power of education and mentorship to transform lives, just as it has for me,” Ms. Madhani said. “Volunteering at the Aga Khan hospitals allowed me to share my knowledge, support the staff, and help create an environment that fosters continuous learning and improvement in patient care. This is not just about making a short-term impact but about investing in the long-term success of health care institutions where it is most needed. For me, it is also a way to honor my roots and help ensure that future generations of health care workers have the same opportunities I had.”
She hopes the trainees not only benefited from improving their technical skills but left with increased confidence and pride in their work.
“My goal was to empower them to take ownership of the care they provide, knowing they have the tools and knowledge to seek the best outcomes for their patients,” Ms. Madhani said. “I also hoped they would feel supported and connected to a broader network of health care professionals who are working toward the same goals. Despite the time constraints, I believe the training laid a strong foundation for continuous improvement, and I hope to provide further support in the future through virtual sessions.”