Bilal Khan

During my residency training in plastic surgery department at JB&RSC, I was immersed in a whirlwind of learning and growth. From the bustling corridors of the hospital to the intricate operating rooms, every moment was filled with invaluable experiences. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities for skill refinement. Despite the demanding nature of the work, the camaraderie among the medical team and the resilience of the patients served as constant sources of inspiration.

I worked in the CMA Hospital as a medical officer. I was involved in the management of the common diseases and provided pre-operative and post-operative care to the patients. My role included history taking, detailed physical examination and treatment of the patients.

During my 3 weeks role as medical officer in medicine unit at Indus Hospital, I got the opportunity to refine my skills. Indus Hospital is one of the few hospitals which has EMR system. I took detailed histories, performed physical examinations, and interpreted investigations. I was involved in providing management of the medical conditions in the inpatient and emergency departments.

I did a rotation with Dr Yasir Saeed who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Critical Care Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center, Moses Campus. During my rotation, I gained valuable insights into the comprehensive management of critically ill patients in the critical care setting. I observed the clinical assessment of the critically ill patients with the whole team which comprised physicians from multiple disciplines along with physical and occupational therapists. I observed the care provided to high acuity patients such as acute ischaemic and hemorrhagic strokes, undifferentiated shock, keto-acidosis disorders, acute renal failure, etc. During my rotation, I observed life-saving procedures such as endotracheal intubation, lumbar puncture, etc. I also discussed the post-operative care provided such as craniectomy, spinal decompression, etc. with Dr Saeed. The invaluable support of social workers and chaplain services, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care was really encouraging

During my rotation with Dr Safak Reka, a gastroenterologist at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, I found myself immersed in a world of intricate diagnoses and compassionate patient care. Each day presented new learning opportunities and challenges. I witnessed the importance of effective communication and empathy in fostering patient trust and understanding. This experience not only expanded my medical knowledge but also deepened my appreciation for the holistic approach to the healthcare practiced by gastroenterologists.

I did a rotation of 1 month with Dr Sameen Farooq, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center. I witnessed the specialized care provided to patients with different medical conditions. I took detailed medical histories, and observed physical examinations, and interpreted diagnostic tests such as chest X-ray, CT-Scan, etc. These experiences allowed me to stay updated with the latest research and evidence-based practices in the field. Actively participated in team meetings, offering insightful suggestions that led to innovative problem-solving strategies.

During my observership experience with a highly skilled neurologist, I had the privilege of gaining invaluable insights into the field of neurology and its clinical practice. I learned how to conduct thorough patient interviews, gather relevant medical histories, and develop differential diagnoses based on neurological symptoms and findings. I witnessed the neurologist's expertise in interpreting diagnostic tests, such as electroencephalograms (EEGs) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Additionally, I had the opportunity to witness the neurologist's interactions with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including collaborating with neurosurgeons, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. This experience highlighted the importance of effective communication and teamwork in providing comprehensive care for patients with neurological conditions.

During my observership experience with a pediatric neurologist, I had the invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in the field of pediatric neurology and witness firsthand the specialized care provided to children with neurological conditions. I had the privilege of witnessing the delicate and empathetic approach employed when communicating with children and their families, fostering an environment of trust and comfort. This exposure reinforced the importance of a holistic approach to care and the significance of teamwork in optimizing outcomes for pediatric patients. I learned the importance of addressing their concerns, answering questions, and providing support throughout the diagnostic and treatment process.

During my observership experience with a gastroenterologist, I actively participated in patient care, diagnostic procedures, and treatment plans under the supervision and guidance of the gastroenterologist. This opportunity provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the field and allowed me to witness the specialized care provided to patients with gastrointestinal disorders. I also gained exposure to various diagnostic procedures, including endoscopies, colonoscopies, and imaging studies, and learned to interpret the results effectively. Working alongside the gastroenterologist, I had the opportunity to witness the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, and gastrointestinal cancers. I learned about the different treatment modalities including lifestyle modifications, medication management, and surgical interventions. I attended resident noon conferences. I also observed the management of patients in Center for Interventional Endoscopy.

During my observership experience with a hospitalist, I actively engaged in patient care and gained valuable insights into the management of acute medical conditions within a hospital setting. Under the guidance and supervision of the hospitalist, I had the opportunity to witness the comprehensive care provided to hospitalized patients. I actively participated in patient rounds, where I collaborated with the hospitalist and other healthcare professionals in assessing patients' conditions, formulating treatment plans, and monitoring their progress. I gained exposure to a diverse range of medical conditions, including respiratory, cardiovascular, infectious, and endocrine disorders. I am eager to apply the knowledge and insights gained during this experience to my future residency training, with a strong dedication to providing exceptional care to hospitalized patients and contributing to the dynamic healthcare team as a hospitalist.

During my observership experience with a cardiologist, I had the opportunity to witness the specialized care provided to patients with heart-related issues. I actively engaged in patient consultations, where I learned to obtain detailed medical histories, perform cardiovascular examinations, and interpret diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, and stress tests. I observed the cardiologist's approach to assessing cardiac health, identifying risk factors, and formulating individualized treatment plans. I had the privilege of witnessing the management of a variety of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular disorders. These experiences allowed me to stay updated with the latest research and evidence-based practices in the field.

I completed a two-week rotation under the mentorship of Dr Harshal Parekh, the medical director in the Department of Medicine at Temple University Health System- Jeanes Campus. I had the privilege of gaining unique insights into the dynamic world of healthcare leadership, teamwork and clinical decision-making. My role included detailed history-taking, observing physical examinations, interpreting laboratory and imaging reports and formulating treatment plans. I discussed the guidelines for the management of hypertension in adults of different ethnic backgrounds with Dr Parekh. My role included the presentation of cases such as myocardial infarction, diabetic foot ulcers, etc. Dr Parekh gave me a thorough introduction to the US healthcare system and HIPAA policies. I observed the coordination and communication between doctors, nurses and other staff which instilled in me a profound appreciation for the vital role that effective leadership plays in delivering high-quality healthcare.

I completed one-year internship as a medical officer at Jinnah Hospital Lahore, a tertiary care hospital with a diverse patient population. I had 4 rotations, each of 3 months in the medicine, surgery, radiology and otorhinolaryngology departments. My role was taking history, writing patient notes, performing physical examinations, interpreting investigations and treating the patients. I provided treatment to the patients in the outpatient, inpatient and emergency departments in the medicine rotation. In the emergency room, I performed life-saving procedures and managed patients with life-threatening conditions such as acute exacerbation of asthma, myocardial infarction, etc. I provided preoperative and postoperative care to patients in the surgery rotation. I performed ultrasounds under supervision, interpreted X-rays and CT scans, and performed ultrasound-guided biopsies in radiology rotation. I treated common ear, nose and throat infections in the otorhinolaryngology rotation.

• Bukhari, S., & Khan, B.. (2023, May). Prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias and role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in cardiac amyloidosis. Journal of Cardiology, 81(5), 429-433. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 36894119. Pub Status: Published. Article URL: https://www.journal-of-cardiology.com/article/S0914-5087(23)00048-5/fulltext
• Bukhari, S., Kasi, A., & Khan B.. (2023, Jun). Bradyarrhythmias in Cardiac Amyloidosis and Role of Pacemaker. Current Problems in Cardiology, 48(11), 101912. Cited in PubMed; PMID: 37392977. Pub Status: Published. Article URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0146280623003298?via%3Dihub
• Akram, M.S., Amjad, Q.M., Shahbaz ,M.U., Khan, B., Qureshi, M., & Rehman, K.U.. (2023, October 22). Black Stomach: Not Always Scary [Poster presented]. ACG annual meeting 2023/Vancouver, BC, CAN.
• Amjad, Q.M., Shahbaz, M.U., Khan, B., Qureshi, M., Akram, M.S., & Rehman, K.U.. (2023, October 22). Idiopathic Myointimal Hyperplasia of the Mesenteric Veins as Differential Diagnosis in Patients With Colitis Of Unknown Etiology [Poster presented]. ACG annual meeting 2023/Vancouver, BC, CAN.
• Khan, B., Khan, N.I., Rahman, S.H., & Arham, A.. (2023, October 22). Serosal Tear Following Colonoscopy: A Rare Complication of Colon Instrumentation [Poster presented]. ACG annual meeting 2023/Vancouver, BC, CAN.
• Khan, B., Qureshi, M., Amjad, Q.M., Shahbaz, M.U., Rehman, K.U., & Basit, M.A.. (2023, October 22). A Rare Case of Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Colon Masquerading as Adenocarcinoma [Poster presented]. ACG annual meeting 2023/Vancouver , BC, CAN.
• Khan, M.A., Rahman, H., Khan, S.Z., & Khan, B.. (2023, September 11). Efficacy and Safety of Catheter Directed Thrombolysis in Intermediate to High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials [Poster presented]. American Heart Association Scientific Sessions/Philadelphia, PA, USA.
• Qureshi, M., Amjad, Q.M., Khan, B., Shahbaz, M.U., & Rehman, K.U.. (2023, October 22). Granular Cell Tumor at the Appendiceal Orifice: A Rare Case Treated With Right Hemicolectomy [Poster presented]. ACG annual meeting 2023/Vancouver, BC, CAN.
• Shahbaz, M.U., Amjad, Q.M., Khan, B., Qureshi, M., Akram, M.S., & Rehman, K.U.. (2023, October 22). Gastric And Duodenal Pseudomelanosis: A Rare Association With Chronic Iron And Diuretic Therapy [Poster presented]. ACG annual meeting 2023/Vancouver, BC, CAN.