News

ISN Educational Ambassador (EA) and former ISN Fellow Shahbaj Ahmad, a nephrologist at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences in India, spent two weeks at the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, India, helping establish a comprehensive interventional nephrology (IN) service. His training sessions benefited residents, faculty, nurses, and technicians, covering arteriovenous fistula screening, guided and coaxial biopsies, fistulograms, fistuloplasties, and vascular access planning.  

Dr. Ahmad teaching dialysis nurses from the CMC nephrology department during his two-week-long ISN Educational Ambassador visit 

Local challenges to kidney care services 

According to Manish Lalwani, assistant professor at CMC’s nephrology department, the department handles around 50 kidney biopsies weekly, but complex cases previously relied on radiology assistance due to a lack of guided biopsy experience.  

In addition, interdepartmental challenges, including long wait times and the absence of an in-house catheterization laboratory, significantly affected the CMC’s ability to provide timely vascular access care for their patients.  

Strengthening skills in key procedures 

Dr. Lalwani undertook training in interventional nephrology to bridge these gaps but lacked hands-on experience. Dr. Ahmad thoroughly understood the center’s specific needs, and his mentorship was key to reestablishing IN services, integrating them with the dialysis center, and training staff.  

Hands-on training in interventional nephrology procedures 

“The training has significantly and lastingly impacted Christian Medical College Vellore, its patients, and the broader medical community,” said Dr. Lalwani, adding, “Dr. Ahmad’s humility and enthusiasm for teaching and guidance have fostered a collaborative model with the dialysis unit, faculty, and staff.”  

The center has already reduced patient waiting times, increased ultrasound-guided renal biopsies, and improved patient outcomes. Dr. Lalwani now independently performs fistulograms, peripheral fistuloplasties, and guided biopsies, significantly reducing reliance on radiology, while vascular nurses have also enhanced their IN skills. Dr. Lalwani is currently teaching these skills to other residents and staff members and hopes to be able to reinstate the department’s fellowship program. 

Dr. Ahmad continues to provide mentorship through phone and video calls, ensuring long-term progress. 

Join the ISN or renew your membership to benefit from ISN Grants