President of Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan andnoted neuro physician of the country Dr Fowzia Siddiqui has expressedg rave concern over acute shortage of the epilepsy treatment facilitiesin the country and demanded of the ministry of health to take urgentnotice of it.
Addressing the Epilepsy Mini Fellowship 2023, as course director along with Dr Rashid Jooma organized by Hilton Pharmashe said that epilepsy is a very complex entity with many differentclinical manifestations and carries a very grave stamina. About the minifellowship, she said it is an extensive course derived from 13th theKiffin Penary Epilepsy Mini Fellows Association of Winston-Salem, USA.She said the course is modified to our local needs in order to helpphysicians dealing with Epilepsy patients, manage them with scientificprecision and understanding.
Dr Fowzia Siddiqui said that in Pakistan there is an acute shortage ofneurologists and no formal training in epilepsy so managing this over 2million affected patients with its scary myths, confused diagnosis andselection of the right medication is a complex art.She said that in this unique, intensive program neurologists learn howto better treat their patients from some of the leading epilepsyclinicians and researchers in the country.
This 3 day weekend-longeducation programs facilitate learning through lectures, groupdiscussions and case-study workshops.It may be noted that in 2006, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui upon returning fromPakistan along with Dr Jooma recognized a tremendous need for physicianeducation in the field of epilepsy. She envisioned a comprehensiveepilepsy education program to train young neurologists and physicians inthe diagnosis, treatment, and management of seizures in order to bettertreat patients with epilepsy, in a manner similar to that done in SalemMassachusetts initiated by Dr Kiffen J Penri.Six years later, her vision became a reality. With financial supportfrom the Abbott Laboratories and assistance from well-known neurologistsnationwide, Dr Jooma and Dr Fowzia did the first program in Pakistan in2012 later this program was supported by Hilton and Getz Pharma. Dr.Fowzia Siddiqui’s enthusiasm and passion were felt by all, and, after 12years she has trained over 400 young physicians.
The Mini Fellowship Programs have been offered every year since the pilotprogram in 2012. As the Mini Fellowship program thrived, she saw a needto educate non-neurologists and paraprofessionals in institutionalsettings who treat epilepsy patients with multiple handicaps anddevelopmental disabilities, which are specifically designed forphysicians caring for the developmentally disabled population. Thusproviding the young doctors with the latest comprehensive information onthe diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.Each year, the program’s attendance goal is to host at least one doctorfrom each neurology program. Participation in the Program is throughprivate invitation, determined in consultation with the variousresidency directors.
This Epilepsy Education Program is uniquelystructured to facilitate learning through innovative interactivemethods.Epilepsy Mini Fellowship Program includes renowned neurologists from allover Pakistan including from Karachi the head of department DowUniversity and president of Pakistan Society of Neurology Dr NailaShahbaz, former Dean of Aga Khan university Dr Nadir Ali Syed, DrMughese Shirani South City hospital and head neurologist SIUT, Dr PremChand pediatric neurologist Aga Khan University, Professor and presidentWCN Dr Muhammad Wasay From Islamabad, Head of department Shifa MedicalCenter Islamabad Dr Maimoona Siddiqui, Professor Dr Arsalan Ahmed headShifa neurology program. From Quetta Dr Saleem Baraich, and Dr AhmedWali.The Epilepsy Foundation in collaboration with Hilton Pharma helps insustaining Dr. Fowzia’s vision with this unique educational program.
