Attributes of an effective clinical teacher: a survey on students' and teachers' perceptions

To identify the attributes of effective clinical teacher, using a self-filled survey questionnaire, that students and faculty value most, and to compare the opinion of student and faculty regarding the same. Cross-sectional study. The Aga Khan University Hospital [AKUH], Karachi from October 2006 to January 2007. Clinical faculty at AKUH and students in clinical years were included in this survey after taking their written informed consent. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to all participants. Responses were compared. A total of 119 students in clinical years [3, 4 and 5] and 89 faculties involved in clinical teaching responded to the questionnaire. The most important attributes in faculty's and students' perspective were knowledge, interest in teaching and clinical competency. In students and faculty perspective, the fourth and fifth attributes were good communication skills and being non-judgmental. Students in clinical years and clinical teachers valued knowledge, interest in teaching and clinical competency as the most important attributes for an effective clinical teacher. There were various areas of agreement and disagreement between faculty and students about attributes of effective clinical teacher

Metabolic syndrome: frequency and gender differences at an out - patient clinic

To determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome among patients attending an out-patient clinic of a teaching hospital and to compare the clinical features regarding metabolic syndrome among males and females. Cross-sectional study. Aga Khan University Hospital [AKUH], Executive and Family Medicine Clinics, from December 2004 to April 2005. All adults, above 25 years, attending the clinics for an executive check-up and giving informed consent were included in the study. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to those eligible to participate. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to ATP-III guidelines. There were 250 participants in this study. Mean age of study participants was 48.94 [SD10.62] years, while approximately two-thirds, 157 [62.8%], were male. Metabolic syndrome [those who had 3 or more risk factors] was present in 35.2% of adults. Fasting blood sugar level was raised in 36.4% of study participants while significant number of participants [78.8%] had a Body Mass Index [BMI] 25 [p = 0.02]. Frequency of metabolic syndrome was significantly high in this study with preponderance of males and prevalence similar to that observed in developed countries. Majority of patients had obesity and high fasting blood sugar levels. Males demonstrated higher levels of triglycerides and low levels of High-density lipoprotein [HDL] compared to females while blood pressure reading was observed to be the same in both males and females

Childhood protein energy malnutrition in developing countries

Malnutrition is a silent emergency. Its persistence has profound implications for children, society, and the future of humankind. More than half of the young children in South Asia suffer from protein- energy malnutrition. Stunting, as a manifestation of deprivation in early childhood is a common problem among young Pakistani children. In addition protein energy malnutrition [PEM] affects negatively on children's somatic and cognitive development. Half of the world's malnourished children are to be found in just three countries - Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. Some of the factors that might explain the cause of such widespread malnutrition are low birth weight, insufficient food, prevalence of infectious diseases, lack of breastfeeding and proper child care. Half of all child deaths each year could be prevented if under nutrition and associated micronutrient disorders could be eliminated. Every citizen has a right to good nutrition, and adequate steps should be taken at every level of community to eliminate this menace from the world