February 13, 2024

Hana Zubair

11th Grade

Hussan International Academy

“Being a pediatrician is like being a detective. We have to solve each child’s unique puzzle.” - Dr. Arifa Tajwany

In the world of pediatric healthcare, where tiny footsteps echo with the promise of future dreams, every interaction holds the weight of the responsibility bestowed upon the doctor. Let us delve into the perspicacious world of 29-year-old Dr. Arifa Tajwany, a pediatrician with a passion for nurturing the well-being of children, not only becoming a proficient medical practitioner but also a beacon of support for families navigating the often-unpredictable terrain of pediatric healthcare.

As a pediatrician, she provides consulting services to patients aged between zero months and twelve years in Pakistan, addressing the numerous health conditions children are forced to face today due to the unique socio-economic and environmental challenges. Counseling is the core part of treating any patient, and in pediatrics, educating and giving counsel to parents is essential. For instance, teaching them how they can maintain good hygiene and how it can prevent the prevalent and unrelenting spread of diseases will, in turn, result in fewer children falling ill and ultimately decrease the burden on the health department; hence, more resources would be available. Apart from this, Dr. Tajwany aims to make sure that children showing up in her clinic are thoroughly examined as well as provided with adequate treatment accordingly.

Reflecting on her years of experience, some key developments Dr. Tajwany has observed in the history of pediatric medicine during her career is that there has been a trend that physicians are more careful in prescribing antibiotics and do not do it unless necessary,  contrary to old practices. Nowadays, antibiotic resistance has increased tremendously, detrimental to kids all around the world as this “modern” practice of not using antibiotics unless it is a last resort has led to the increase in resistance to antibiotics affecting children in various ways, such as reduced effectiveness of treatment and increased healthcare costs because of the extensive treatments required since the medicines prescribed aren’t effective.

Antibiotics are crucial for various medical procedures, such as surgeries, cancer treatments, and organ transplants. The rise of antibiotic-resistant infections could compromise the success and safety of these procedures. To decrease the risks resistance to antibiotics causes, Dr. Tajwany suggests pharmacies on a mass level are instructed to not supply people medicines without a verified prescription as well as to implement a limited use of antibiotics so that people avoid self-medicating. Additionally, the unnecessary use of medicines and self-medication are some of the issues that will also be addressed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child thrive under your care.” - Dr. Tajwany

  A lot of work is in progress toward the betterment of children’s health, namely, the development of new vaccines to prevent children from being in contact with the disease or, in some cases, to reduce the complications caused by those ailments. Mass campaigns are being run to inform and educate parents regarding the importance of vaccination and cleanliness. The process is slow yet quite impactful. Moreover, the main approach a pediatrician should take that will allow them to contribute to the overall well-being of children and their families is not only limited to the physical ailment, but it also requires careful consideration towards a child's emotional and behavioral well-being as well as understanding and solving any psychological issues that a child may be suffering through. According to Dr. Tajwany, a pediatrician is not just treating the patient but is also playing the part of a therapist for both children and parents to help them grow.

Furthermore, she is researching to develop a new vaccine against the shigella virus that can cause diarrhea and dysentery, an inflammatory disorder of the intestines, causing severe diarrhea with blood and mucus in the stool, in children. First, children within the age group of six months up to three years having three or more diarrhea episodes in the last seven days are enrolled for observation. Then, the doctors keep track of them for a total of six months, looking after their general health, growth, and well-being. Lastly, they provide them with medicines and consultations free of cost, reaching as many people as possible to be rid of the horrid disorder that has impacted the lives of thousands of children so negatively.

One comment Dr. Tajwany would like to share that not many people may understand about her job is that while a doctor’s top priority is to ensure the best possible outcome, that is not always the case. Alas, doctors are not magicians who can find the cure for anything in the spur of a minute. Healing takes time, and thus we all need to trust our guiding physician and be patient.