Through Masters’ Glory, we at Dawaai would like to introduce you to inspirational people, as they share their stories with us. We have a lot to learn from their years of experience, and this project aims to ensure that their advice and contributions are never forgotten, so they can inspire generations to come.
Let’s meet Professor Syed Hamid Shafqat, a cardiologist who has been practicing for around 60 years. Dr. Shafqat’s humble views are as refreshing as his simplistic approach to healthcare. His ideology focuses on small changes that make a big difference.
Here are a few tips he has for doctors, or doctors to be:
1) HISTORY TAKING: History taking is an art, he says, one that is often most neglected. It might seem tedious at the time, but it is the most important diagnostic tool, and definitely worth the effort!
2) TIME: Dr. Shafqat talks about how a patient approached him after she heard of only one of his qualities: He listens! Doctors might not realize that the patient will never feel satisfied unless the doctor listens to all of their complaints carefully.
3) DISCRIMINATION: He shares his father’s advice with us:
“uss mareez ka ilaaj bhi utne hi shauk se karna, jis ne fees na di ho, jitna ke fees dene waaley ko.”
In our poverty struck nation, these words stand as a reminder for all healthcare providers to always try to stay unbiased and sincere in their efforts.
Dr. Shafqat also recommends these simple health tips that we can all benefit from:
4) 45 minutes of walk: We all know how important a regular exercise routine is to stay healthy. Dr. Shafqat recommends us to keep it simple! Just going for a walk regularly can help maintain our weight, and give our immune system a push.
5) 8 hours of sleep: A healthy and regular sleep cycle helps in dealing with stress, and keeps our bodies internal clocks running effectively, and should always be an important part of our routine.
6) Weight control: Controlling your weight automatically reduces the risk for certain heart diseases and helps prevent a wide spectrum of diseases.
7) Diet management: He recommends avoiding sugars, and dairy. To be regular with meals and restrict portions, and most importantly: to eat your veggies!
