Educational Tour through Pakistan – Part 5

Final stops: leadership, learning, and lasting connections

The educational tour through Pakistan concluded with two meaningful and impactful visits in Lahore, bringing together academic leadership, bedside care, and practical discussions on neonatal respiratory support.

Fatima Jinnah Medical University

Our first visit was to Fatima Jinnah Medical University, where we were warmly received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal. The visit included the inauguration of a new echocardiography machine—an important addition that will further strengthen neonatal and pediatric cardiac care at the institution.

Following the inauguration, we toured the NICU and discussed ongoing efforts to enhance neonatal care, education, and training. A particularly special moment for me was receiving the Pakistani Neonatal Resuscitation Textbook from Prof. Dr. Khuwaja Irfan Waheed—a generous and thoughtful gift that reflects the strong local commitment to education and capacity building in neonatal resuscitation.

Final stop: Indus Hospital, Lahore

The last stop of the tour was the Indus Hospital, where we focused on practical discussions around the use of high-flow nasal therapy and CPAP devices. These conversations centered on real-world implementation, patient selection, and integrating non-invasive respiratory support into everyday clinical workflows.

The engagement from the clinical team and the openness of discussion made this a fitting conclusion to the tour—grounded, practical, and forward-looking.

Closing reflections

These final visits marked the conclusion of an extraordinary educational journey across Pakistan. From academic centers and national leaders to busy NICUs and hands-on bedside discussions, the tour reinforced a shared goal: improving care and outcomes for newborn infants through collaboration, education, and evidence-informed practice.

I am deeply grateful to all hosts, colleagues, and partners who made this tour possible, and I leave Pakistan inspired by the dedication, warmth, and excellence of its neonatal community.