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Aga Khan University (AKU) achieved yet another
distinction in the field of nursing when its Hospital became the
first in the country with a Pakistani PhD holder heading the Nursing
Services Division.
Dr Khurshid Khowaja, who has been Director of
Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Nursing Services Division since
2001, recently completed her PhD from the University of Ballarat,
Australia. Balancing work and PhD studies with family commitments
was no mean feat but then Dr Khowaja has been a dynamic leader since
her school days. She was the first girl from Tando Bago, a remote
town in Sindh's district Badin, to complete matriculation from a
predominantly boys school, clinching second position in Hyderabad.
She subsequently did her bachelors in economics in 1978 from the
Hyderabad education board. Although communicating in English with
foreign teachers at AKU School of Nursing was a challenge in the
early days, she earned a gold medal with her nursing diploma from
the School. In addition, she completed her diploma in midwifery
in first division from Kharadar Maternity Home in 1985. She subsequently
served as Head Nurse, Assistant Manager and Associate Director before
becoming a Director at AKUH.
Throughout history, courageous nurses have effected
significant change in the profession of nursing, women like Florence
Nightingale, who reformed nursing care, and Clara Barton, founder
of the American Red Cross. "Likewise, AKUH nurses serving in clinical,
administrative and academic roles can have a major impact on nursing
in Pakistan," says Dr Khowaja. "They can serve as role models and
inspire others."
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