Dr. Nasir Jamal
Tribute by:
Dr. Habib Khan
September 10, 2020
Phoenix, Arizona
“Which one do you have to call me”
In memory of Dr. Jamal Nasir……
Phoenix Arizona
Reporting from the COVID Frontlines – My journey as a Covid survivor
It was the beginning of COVID-19 in my institution in late March 2020. We were requesting the system to make it mandatory for all patients undergoing any airway surgery to have a preoperative Covid test but due to the shortage of swabs and tests this request was under consideration. We were maintaining usual mask, face shield, N 95 and gown precautions. I unfortunately got exposed in the operating room while performing a robotic otopharyngeal cancer resection.
At the conclusion of the case the patient had a violent wake up from anesthesia resulting in him vomiting on me and need for me to take a shower. I suspect it was during this act of taking my Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) off that I must have gotten the virus into my nose or mouth.
My first symptoms were just some leg pain 5 days later, without cough or fever. Since I had a busy operating room schedule (we were operating on urgent cancer cases) I decided to get myself tested. I did test positive and immediately went into quarantine. My family was tested and unfortunately I had infected everyone. Fortunately the children had no symptoms, my wife eventually developed a cough but no shortness of breath and was able to quarantine and recover at home.
I stayed in my quarantine and the first week flew by without a problem. I questioned the media hype around this virus. Day 8-13 turned out to be torture. I suddenly developed severe dysphoria, fatigue, lack of appetite and no taste. Food did not appeal to me and I stopped eating. During my dysphoria the only thing I remember was to drink some water to prevent kidney failure. Ultimately on day 13 I started getting shortness of breath, oxygen levels were down to 88% and I could not walk more than 5 feet without getting tired.
At this point in time I elected to get admitted to the hospital. It was a scary situation since personally being on the forefront of our Covid tracheostomy team I knew that the mortality rate in mechanically ventilated patients was over 80% at that point in time. Regardless I checked in hoping for a miracle, plan in hand that I would get a dose of tocilizamab if things got worse but I would avoid going to the ICU. We also discovered that I had a 20 pounds weight loss due to lack of appetite during quarantine! Luckily my hospital was leading the trial for remdesivir and I got on the treatment arm.
The first night was frightening, I stayed awake all night. The hospitalist taking care of me had made it clear that I would probably end up in the intensive care unit before the morning and likely get intubated. I vehemently declined this prospect and awaited my registration on the trial. Time moved slowly and my entire life circled in my mind. I eventually got my first dose of treatment 24 hours after admission and I was glad to see that within 24 hours after that oxygen levels went from 88% to 92% on room air. I continued to stay in the hospital for an additional five days getting treated, breathing improving every day. I got discharged to home and essentially a week later thanks for the prayers and support of our friends and family I was back to remote work. Interestingly I never mounted a fever or cough but had never experienced an illness like this before.
I recommend that everyone take this virus seriously, wear your masks, PPE, shower once you get home. Be careful when removing your PPE. Remember quarantine is not a walk in the park and everyone should have a plan including being weighed and checked on frequently. I honestly believe that the human will power is paramount to getting through this illness. We need to be thankful for every day that we breath this Earth’s fresh air!
I’m grateful to be alive, supported by the thousands of prayers from near and far and given a second life by God Almighty. I pray for everyone’s safety and wish that this pandemic gets over and we never have to see the likes of this illness again.
Dr. Yusuf Khan
By: Tayyib Rana, MD, PCEO
APPNA Lifetime Member
Dr. Yusuf Khan, an American Pakistani Descent Physician who has dedicated his career to primary care in public health clinics and fought his own battle with Covid19.
Dr. Yusuf Khan was born to Pakistani Parents, Dr. Jamal Khan and Mrs. Qamar Khan, in Beckley, WV. He was subsequently raised in the capital city of Charleston, WV where his father, a King Edward graduate of 1961 and APPNA Lifetime Member, started his own Cardiothoracic surgery practice in 1971. His father’s 33 years of dedication to his patients (second busiest practice in terms of cases behind the Cleveland Clinic in 1997) continue to serve as the backdrop of Yusuf’s own genuine care of his patients today.
After graduating high school in Charleston, Yusuf attended Wake Forest University where he earned a B.A. degree. Thereafter he received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. This was followed by residency in Family Practice and a one year rotating fellowship in emergency medicine from West Virginia University School of Medicine. Following his training, Yusuf joined the faculty at WVU School of Medicine and was instrumental in helping establish the first University urgent care clinics in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. Yusuf’s career would see him working in the critical access emergency rooms of rural WV, private practice in Northern Virginia, and ultimately working in a federal health clinic in Northern Virginia where his desire for helping those with the greatest needs flourished. During this same period of time, Yusuf would go on to marry Dr. Noma Khan, a bright Internist and SMC alumnus. Yusuf and Noma were blessed with three lovely daughters with whom they presently reside in Ashburn, VA.
Dr. Yusuf Khan is a dedicated Physician but more importantly, he’s a dedicated father, husband, son, and brother. His personality is easy going and gentle but when it comes to the care of his patients, he is relentlessly committed. His commitment to provide access to medical care for those with the greatest need drove Dr. Khan to establish an official covid19 testing site in collaboration with the ADAMS Compassionate Healthcare Network in Chantilly, VA. The percentage of cases that would test positive for Covid19 from this clinic exceeded 50 percent, a very significant number. His latest position at the Federal Health Clinic also had him overseeing Covid19 testing in the mornings.
Yusuf is also an invaluable council member of APPNA DMV and during the pandemic, Yusuf was once again on the front lines helping distribute groceries, PPE, water, and clothing with the DMV chapter during one of the most stressful times our society has faced. When people were sheltering and protecting themselves, Yusuf was making sure others were protected. After six months of doing covid relief work, Yusuf became ill with flu-like symptoms which turned out to be Covid19 infection.
Yusuf’s course with covid was complicated by pneumonia which worsened to the point he could no longer breath easily. His chest x-ray showed typical ground glass covid changes. He was admitted to the ICU in serious condition. Yusuf’s ICU doctor did not think he would make it out of the hospital. He was given all current guideline treatments including steroids, antibiotics, antiviral, proning, and O2 support at all times. After aggressive therapy and many prayers, Yusuf’s chest x-ray began to improve as did key vitals and labs. He gradually made it out of the ICU to step down, and ultimately was discharged home where he is still recovering as of this writing. We continue to pray for his full recovery. Yusuf’s wife and middle daughter also contracted covid after him but managed to recover at home. Despite all this, Yusuf and his family have maintained a grateful attitude and continue to serve the community. Yusuf’s family also runs a free private school for indigent kids in Pakistan (Munawwar Jehan Foundation), which was founded by his father. Community service is a core value of Yusuf’s life and having survived a serious battle with Covid19, his resolve to do more has only grown stronger. Yusuf and his family’s friendship is a blessing in my life and I am truly grateful that he is still with us today to share his ongoing love for humanity. He and I both look forward to the day we can all safely gather to share these stories with each other in person InshaAllah. But until then, take Yusuf’s story very seriously and protect yourself and your families.
Sincerely,
Tayyib Rana, MD, PCEO
APPNA Lifetime Member
Dr. Nasir Syed
Tribute by
Dr. Lubna Naeem,
Past President APPNA South Central Texas Chapter, Past APPNA Treasurer/Secretary
A Warrior against COVID-19
Dr. Nasir Syed is a man of many facets – Altruist, Leader, Philanthropist, and a pulmonary specialist are a few titles he has garnered through his life’s work. A contemplative man by nature he took family, practice of medicine, and community to the heart of his existence.
In community gatherings, I saw him, a gentleman holding hands of the elderly and feeble, getting them to cross the street into masjid, helping people park their cars in order. When I learned that he is the chairman of the management committee, I was amazed. His demeanor and persona is Saint like.
Later, I met him at the inception of our South-Central Texas APPNA chapter meetings; he was so supportive and helping, it was a matter of faith to believe it.
He volunteered to lead this physician organization, APPNA South Central Texas Chapter, into right direction as chairman board of trustees. Always giving and present, leading by example, never took sides and brought consensus and calm to the helm of affairs. A reliable helping hand for the memorable 2016 APPNA fall meeting, I hosted in San Antonio as president of this chapter, Nasir was a the most encouraging figure.
Afflicted by COVID-19 while serving the community, intubating the sick and the most vulnerable, he himself is fighting for his life. Let us pray for a miracle and his recovery.
by: LUBNA NAEEM, MD
Prof. Mustafa Kamal Pasha
Tribute to Prof. Mustafa Kamal Pasha
My own interaction with Prof. Pasha dates back when I started clinical clerkships as a 4th year medical student in surgery in 1997 and he was newly appointed Assistant Professor. He was a super nice guy and a very skillful teacher. He was the country’s top general and laparoscopic surgeon who took pride in serving people of south Punjab. My last meeting with Prof. Pasha was in summer of 2019 which was very delightful. I was thoroughly impressed by his enthusiasm and energy to improve medical education, training and patient care at NMU.
He worked day and night to make arrangements for PPE, N95 Masks and coronavirus testing kits for medical staff at Nishtar. He would frequently update Nishtar Alumni of North America (NANA) about the health challenges faced by Nishtar Hospital during this pandemic and would not hesitate to ask for help if needed. NANA executive committee was constantly in-contact with him and witnessed his dedication and commitment to take care of patients and medical staff during this pandemic.
During this great time of need, he was visionary and selfless who worked hard as a front-line worker to serve his patients and his institution and got infected with this novel coronavirus. We shall never forget Dr. Pasha’s unplumbed courage and selfless service, as a doctor who could have saved thousands of lives if he would have still been with us today. His memories will stay alive in the hearts of all of us and his patients. Dr Pasha, we will always remember you with happy memories and smiling faces.
A tribute by,
Ghulam Mujtaba, MD
Past President Nishtar Alumni Association of North America (NANA)
Faisal Masud, MD, FCCP, FCCM
Dr. Faisal Masud CNN interview:
https://bit.ly/2X7zuZV
The entire nation’s eyes were on us. Our exhausted but dedicated Staff that had begun the return to some degree of normality was jolted with the onslaught of cases. We were fighting not only on the medical front but also on the misinformation front against Infodemic, WhatsApp, Web MD and Google MD to name a few.
As the extent and severity of the pandemic became clear, we were fortunate to have just launched our virtual ICU. We expanded it overnight, Ipads and tablets deployed everywhere. We all learned how to meet virtually on zoom, Webex, etc. Because families could not come to patients in the hospital, we had to become their extended family and use the virtual ICU capabilities to bring families together. We all miss hugging each other giving each other high fives and seeing each other’s faces without masks.
Through all this our team did not let themselves be distracted. We learned a lot from our first wave in March- I say we were battle tested. We learned not to intubate so early, we developed better protocols and we now have therapies that are working, innovating intubation boxes, pumps , tubes and monitoring technologies. . We also learned that COVID-19 affected patients in so many ways and not just the lungs. This allowed us to become more proactive in protecting other organs to help prevent further damage from this horrible disease. We are learning so much in such a short amount of time that we forget that this disease is new; the whole world was learning on the job just like us and we still have more to learn.
Houston doctors especially from Pakistani community became very proactive in in their institutions especially in ER and ICU’s. They are the real front-line workers. Other’s helped raise public awareness, raised funds to help local communities, became part of APPNA Merit program doing webinars for institutions across Pakistan and sending money and PPE to Pakistan.
One group we sometimes forget to recognize is our families. They are the unsung heroes. I want to especially recognize my wife Tehmina who made it possible for me to do what I have been able to do so far while also raising significant funds to help the people of Houston that really need it.
In the end we are tired, we are exhausted, but we will get through. This pandemic will end
#Houstonwecan
About Faisal Masud, MD, FCCP, FCCM
He is the Associate Quality Officer. He received his training at Duke University Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Among his many awards are Presidential Gold Medal, He has been the recipient of the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching four times, the Dean H. Morrow Resident Mentor Award in 2001, and the most prestigious Fulbright & Jaworski Faculty Excellence Award in Educational Leadership, he was elected a member of the Academy of Distinguished Educators at Baylor College of Medicine. He received Association Of Professional In Infection Control ( APIC) National award for Heroes in Infection Prevention 2010 . He is also recipient of the Overstreet Award for exemplifying best of medical profession. His leadership skills resulted in great improvements in patient care and clinical outcomes, in Patient Safety & Quality, Sepsis, central line infections, ventilator associated pneumonia, surgical site infections, blood transfusions, pharmacy etc. resulting hundreds of lives saved and millions of dollars in cost savings. His focus is improving healthcare in underdeveloped health systems in less developed countries and has been doing volunteer work to improve healthcare in vulnerable areas for many years. He is also the Board Member of Shifa USA a Houston based charitable organization providing free medical and dental care, women shelter etc. He has many research projects, publications and is a invited faculty at multiple local, state, national meetings and International conferences and meetings including Canada, Malaysia, Israel, China, Pakistan, Brazil, Dubai and Saudi Arabia
Dr. Shaban Farooqui
Dr. Shaban Faruqui, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, passed away June 23, 2020 at the age of 67. Shaban was born, and lovingly raised, in Pakistan. His father, Hamid Hussein was an attorney and a member of the Pakistan parliament. His mother, Jamila Faruqui, was a Justice of the Peace and District President of the Pakistan Women’s Association. He met his future wife, Shaista, in medical school in Karachi. After getting married, the couple moved to the United States. Together, Shaban and Shaista completed their residency training in internal medicine at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia. Later, Shaban completed fellowship training in Gastroenterology at the Presbyterian Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. After the couple completed their training, they moved to Baton Rouge, where they practiced medicine, and raised their three daughters (Saira, Sabeen, and Saamia). Shaban was a highly regarded gastroenterologist, who practiced in the area for over 30 years. Over the years, he held several academic positions at the University of Pennsylvania, Louisiana State University, Earl K. Long Medical Center, and most recently as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Tulane School of Medicine. He also served as Chief of Gastroenterology at Earl K. Long Hospital, Our Lady of the Lake, and Baton Rouge General Medical Center at various times. He was a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and American Gastroenterology Association. He enjoyed teaching and training medical students, residents and fellows. Shaban was dearly loved by his wife and his three daughters who worked to emulate their father’s strong character and immense dedication to his career. Much to his joy, two of his daughters, Sabeen and Saamia, followed in his footsteps and became Gastroenterologists; his eldest daughter pursued a career in fashion inspired by her father’s sense of style and elegance. He was a man of faith and charity who always put his family first but found time for all. He was the life of every party and captured a crowd with his warm personality. He was interested in many things, but mostly sports
(being a talented cricketer and a keen tennis player), antiquing, and music (and once played bass in a band). He was much adored by all in the family and beyond. He reciprocated their love, and was a friend to all, throughout his entire life. Shaban loved to travel the globe with his wife and children. Most of all, he relished spending time with his grandchildren. Shaban is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Shaista Faruqui, and his loving daughters, the eldest: Saira Faruqui Misra and her husband Raghav (and their children Lehan and Lyla); the next eldest: Dr. Sabeen Faruqui Medvedev and her husband Dr. Gleb Medvedev (and their children Maxim and Micah Shaban); and the youngest: Dr. Saamia Faruqui. He is also survived by his siblings Salman Faruqui, Usman Faruqui, Almas Shoaib Faruqui, and Kauser Faruqui Amin; and countless friends and admirers all over the world. His brother Dr. Sultan Faruqui and his sister Shamshad Qureshi preceded him in death.. His family finds much comfort in knowing that he is resting in eternal peace in Heaven.
Mrs. Shamshad Qureshi
Mother of Dr. Nasar Qureshi, APPNA Past President
“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality” (Emily Dickinson)
There are few things more difficult than losing one’s mother. Though this grief is personal for the family, we are indebted to all who have shared their condolences, kind words and prayers for her soul. While all mothers are a sacred gift from Allah (SWT), our mother, Shamshad Qureshi, was the definition of the word “Mother”. She met her creator on June 21st, in Lahore while valiantly fighting CoviD, Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. She’s not physically here anymore, but her love and light shall shine on forever.
Ami was in her teens when her mother passed away. She gracefully stepped into the shoes of our grandmother. While our grandfather was busy with his ministerial responsibilities — attending parliamentary sessions, and serving his constituency — she kept the family together, managed household logistics and made difficult decisions for her six younger brothers and sisters. She ensured, not just that they each went to school, but that they studied hard and excelled, all while dealing with her own grief and anxiety, and pursuing her own education. She was a determined woman. Though she was not able to attend a formal college while taking care of her siblings (each of whom, to her pride, excelled in their lives), she never let up on her quest for learning and knowledge. Later, she married my father, a graduate of Punjab University, who had just returned from the UK after receiving his Masters in Engineering. At the time, he was heading a British company in Pakistan. My sister, brother and I, all joined this extended family for which she remained a matriarch. Unfortunately, we lost her youngest brother Dr. Shaban Farooqui, a long standing APPNA member, who ofught CoVid for months and recovered from being on a ventilator for 8 weeks, but met his creator due to complications, and joined his ister in Jannah with in 72 hrs. of her meeting the creator.
Growing up, she always taught us to do our best. She always taught us that results are not the most important thing, but knowing that we have put in our most sincere and best effort is crucial. Both our parents have taught us the value of honesty, hard work, valuing relationships, and most importantly being true to oneself.
Horticulture remained her passion throughout life, and she was a founding member of the Karachi Ikebana Society. She served both Ikebana and the Karachi horticultural society in various positions, and her works were displayed in numerous floral art exhibitions. Her garden was always her pride and joy.
She is survived by her husband, Zakariya Qureshi, with whom she enjoyed marital bliss for 64 years, raised a family she was proud of, and traveled the world. She will be forever remembered by her three children –myself, Dr.Seema Qayyum, Fasial Qureshi, her two loving Daughter-in-Laws– Lubna Qureshi and Bina Qureshi, and Son-in-Law, Dr. Qayyum. She was also be lovingly remembered by her 6 grand children and 3 great grand children. We all cherish and celebrate the woman our mother was, and take comfort in knowing she will always be with us, guiding us through our lives and smiling at us.
“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us (Helen Keller)
Nasar Qureshi
Dr. Ijaz Ahsan
Professor Ijaz Ahsan , excelled at what he did. He was the Best Graduate of K.E. , the Best husband , father , brother , uncle and teacher. Few know that besides being the finest of surgeons, he was a keen photographer , a tennis player , a student of singing who enjoyed playing the harmonium , a passionate agriculturist and an avid writer.
Uptill his last breath he was thinking not of death but of his country and passing on his wisdom. He was trying to finish his latest book on the political history of Pakistan ” From Heaven to Hell ” till his fingers could type no more . That is when i found out that he was developing a rapidly progressing descending paralysis due to Covid-19. But before he called me he called my cousin Omar to hand him his manuscript with instructions for completion.
Most people know that he resigned as Principal K.E. in 1995 on a matter of principal. He then continued his role as a teacher for all of Pakistan in the capacity of President CPSP and for the whole world as the author of ” Textbook of Surgery ” ( 1991, 1997, 2015 ).
As a Doctor it was his duty to give hope and that he did till the last .. telling his daughter Saira not to worry as 99% of Covid patients improve. Then , becoming aware of his deteriorating condition , the sensitive soul that he was , he waited for her to go home and then asked me to assemble his medical team as he wanted to bid his final khuda hafiz. I had the honor of doing that for him .
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I , on behalf of the family , would like to thank everyone for their affectionate and devoted messages. Although mamun Ijaz , the star , ” a powerhouse of talent , energy , humor and passion ” is no more amongst us , we believe he is shining in another galaxy while his wisdom lives on in the work of his students.
Dr. Nadeem Qureshi
Bismillah,
When I was first asked to talk about my experience with COVID I really didn’t know where to start. Alhumduliulah, I have been blessed to have never had to face any debilitating issues with my health, Allah swt has been very kind. And even when, my symptoms first started it was really just cough and congestion and I didn’t think much of it. But a few days went by, and things went from bad, to worse, to unimaginable. Fast forward through 10 days of ECMO, 18 days of intubation, 26 days of ICU and a total of 40 days of admission plus 3 weeks of physical therapy and I’m sitting here today trying to still wrap my head around what happened. To be honest, I don’t even remember the time when I was most critical but waking up after all those days invokes an eerie sense of fragility.
The very first day that they weaned my sedation, I remember being more scared than anything. I remember hearing my son on FaceTime saying, ‘Dad, say Bismillah, Allah is with you, don’t worry.’ I remember those words very clearly. He kept saying, ‘say Bismillah dad, they’re going to pull the tube out; just say Bismillah, say Shukr Alhumdulillah, can you hear me? There are so many people praying for you; don’t worry, you got this, you got this.’ I remember nodding my head, not truly understanding the gravity of what I had just been through. But things starting to clear up in the coming days.
Having worked as a Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician for almost 30 years, I have been blessed that Allah swt has kept me on the other side of these encounters. To have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be of aid to countless patients is something I’m sure the whole APPNA community can resonate with. But despite our humble efforts and motives, I realized that through this, all of it can change in an instance. Suddenly, I was the one being intubated, and that same ECMO alert I had called on one of my patients just a few months ago, had now been called on me. From a numbers perspective, I am very lucky to be sitting here today and understanding how critical things had gotten is the most harrowing part. Ninety five percent of cases like mine do not make it but Alhumdulillah, Allah had mercy on me and my family.
Why Allah chose to bestow this challenge on me and my family, I am not sure, but I don’t question it. He brought me to it, and He brought me through it. My biggest support has always been my wife. She spent endless nights praying tahajjud and I could feel the power of her duas in my recovery. I guess there’s a reason Allah says that the right partner completes half our deen and I’m very blessed to have that kind of love and affection. With this most difficult time, Allah also showed me and my family an overwhelming sense of support and love. To this day, I have still been unable to read through all the outpour of messages sent directly to me or my family through email, calls, text etc. People I hadn’t spoken to in decades sent their duas, and I truly believe it is through the power of dua that I am fortunate enough to be sitting here again.
I literally have no words to express my gratitude, first and foremost Allah for His mercy on me and then to everyone the world over and to all of you who prayed relentlessly for me. Seeing the numbers, I would encourage people to never give up on His mercy. My survival today is a miracle and Allah’s miracles happen every day. We have to recognize them, acknowledge them, ask for them, and thank Him.
When I left the hospital to go to rehab, they thought I’d need to be there for months. I couldn’t hold my own neck straight. But I prayed to be back home in Ramadan, with my family. And
Allah was so merciful that Alhumdulilah everyone’s prayers got me home in 10 days. I cannot reiterate my sincere appreciation for everyone’s love and affection. I truly mean it when I say words cannot describe what they meant to me and how much courage you all instilled in me. It gave me that power to stand up and come back InshaAllah. We specifically as APPNA physicians are blessed with a unique position in society that includes our education, our skillset, and for many of us our financial independence to truly make a difference in this world. Allah chooses his people and after having been through this whole ordeal I am reminded how important it is for us to take full advantage of His blessings. I’m fortunate that He’s given me this second opportunity so that I can do something even better for our society, our Ummah, our Pakistan and our humanity.
Dr. Nisar A. Qureshi
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Dr. Mahmood Alam
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Dr. Qazi Kamal Haider
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Dr. Abdul Majeed
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Mushahid Farooqi, MD
Mushahid Farooqi, MD is a Family Medicine physician from Pakistan and the medical director of the City Health Urgent Care in New York. This is an excerpt from his article published in Dawn newspaper.
When I was tested positive for Covid-19, the one question that continued to haunt me was: “How did I get the virus?”
Then I thought of a patient and realised that I probably may have been infected by that person. I carried out a medical examination of that patient, few days ago. This person was not one of my regular patients. He had only visited me twice – for an annual checkup or for a general medical examination.
… The first two weeks were very difficult. Cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing made life tough for me. For the first week, I stayed home. My hope was that regular treatment would be enough for my recovery, so I took regular medication, steam and vitamins.
During these days I drank as much water as I could because the body gets weaker, leading to a reduction in appetite. That’s why I made sure that I was getting the right amount of nutrition through my meals.
But then after a week when my condition worsened, I had to call an ambulance and get admitted in the hospital.
When my oxygen saturation levels were checked, they were quite low. Considering the sensitivity of my condition, no stone was left unturned in taking care of me. I am grateful to God that my condition was not as bad as several other patients in the hospital who were on ventilators.
The eight days spent at the hospital were the most challenging. I was kept in an isolation ward where even my family members and friends were not allowed to meet me. Not just that, but even the nurses and doctors could only enter under critical circumstances.
Adjacent to my ward was a room of an 82-year-old patient whose condition was quite serious. Whereas I was being administered four litres of oxygen through a nasal cannula, he required 30 litres of oxygen yet his condition kept worsening.
It is pertinent to mention here that I did not face any difficulty regarding food. Luckily, they also had halal food available and my family would also send food from home. Because they were not allowed to meet me, my family members would hand the food over to the hospital staff in the lobby, from where the staff would deliver it to me.
Due to the care given by hospital staff and the prayers of my family members I was recovering rapidly. After spending eight days at the hospital, I returned home. Currently, my oxygen saturation level is 95 to 96 and hopefully with God’s grace it will get back to normal soon
Mahin Alamgir Rao, MD
Dr Mahin Alamgir is an Aga Khan University alumnus of 2013, board certified in Internal Medicine. She has also trained in infectious diseases and is currently a dermatology resident.
This is an excerpt from her article published in Dawn newspaper, with an update from her at the end.
I am a Pakistan- and US-trained, board certified physician with specialty training in infectious diseases, now pursuing a third specialty in New York — the current epicenter of the epidemic in the United States. I contracted Covid-19 a few weeks back, before it had gripped New York. Unaware that I had come into contact with the dreaded disease, its arrival was announced by low-grade fevers, shaking chills, and wrenching muscle aches. Initial denial that this was Covid-19 was replaced by panic, which was swiftly followed by an unsettling acceptance. Why should I be any more immune to the pathogen when star athletes and world leaders are not? We are all human, after all.
I am now in the convalescent phase, after many near run-ins to the emergency department over the last few days, and one hospitalisation. Acutely aware of how the prized hospital beds and scarce resources need to go to our sickest and most vulnerable, I ran a mini-ER of sorts at home, trying to hold off admission to hospital for as long as I could. Round the clock, I self-monitored vital signs, clutched through stabbing, knife-like bouts of chest pain, breathed at more than twice the normal respiratory rate for hours at end, and promised my physician colleagues that I would call 911 if my oxygen level dropped below a critical threshold.
I nebulised, medicated, hydrated myself through a scary, dark, uncertain illness that spares neither young nor old. In our years of training and practice as physicians, we have our share of close experiences with situations involving death. We are not unfamiliar with it. I am ‘only’ thirty years old, but many others younger than me are on mechanical ventilators in hospitals around the globe. I was prepared for all possible medical outcomes.
Update 4/26: I have now almost, though not fully, recovered from the covid illness and am back at work attending to my patient-care and clinical duties.
Zain Khakwani, MD
I am 2nd year Cardiology Fellow at Newark Beth Israel Center, NJ (just outside NYC) which serves a poorer, minority population. In mid-March we began getting a lot of COVID-19 patients, just as the epidemic was sweeping NYC. In the beginning there was not sufficient understanding of the disease, nor enough PPE, so lots of nurses and doctors were exposed. Within 10 days, almost 60% of the hospital was COVID patients. Internal Medicine and Hospitalists couldn’t handle the load so all specialties were pressed into service. Our Cardiology dept. took over management of 1 COVID floor. Cardiology training was suspended as we started treating COVID patients. 50-60% of Cardiology Fellows and Attendings were exposed.
I became febrile on March 26 or 27 and went home. For 10 days I was home alone, suffering from COVID symptoms – nausea, vomiting, cough, temperature. In those first few days I was very fatigued, with headaches, taking Tylenol and lots of showers to bring down the temperature. I was just on the couch, unable to move around or cook. I had a pulse-ox with me to constantly monitor my oxygen. Thankfully, I slowly got better and 10 days in was able to get up and finally clean the apt. Our Employee Health was monitoring my progress with daily calls and by their protocol, 1 week after onset of symptoms and 3 days after being symptom free, I was cleared to be back at work, treating patients. I have been back at work since Monday, April 6. One other Pakistani resident friend of mine, who lives 5 miles away also got COVID.