PSSLD

Teach Pak Program 2025 Event Report

10th PSSLD TEACH Pak Certificate Course

The 10th PSSLD TEACH Pak Certificate Course, held from 2nd to 23rd September 2025, successfully concluded after a highly engaging and impactful four-week run. Focused on “Advancing Liver Health: Focus on MAFLD and Prevalent Hepatic Disorders in 2025”, the course addressed the rapidly evolving landscape of chronic liver diseases in Pakistan, with particular emphasis on Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). It was accredited by the Department for Continuing Professional Education (DCPE), Aga Khan University, Karachi.

The course adopted a blended, four-module format and was conducted simultaneously across nine medical centers in Pakistan—Karachi, Larkana, Sukkur, Bahawalpur, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta—connected via Zoom. It combined virtual learning, case-based presentations, and weekly in-person interactive sessions every Tuesday, facilitating a truly national academic experience. Over 300 participants enrolled from across Pakistan. Attendees included final-year medical students, post-graduate trainees, general practitioners, and family physicians. The course attracted participants from both public and private healthcare institutions, promoting cross-sector knowledge sharing.

Each week’s session, lasting 2.5 hours, featured a structured blend of didactic lectures, case-based discussions, and interactive Q&A segments. The modules were carefully curated to progress from foundational hepatology topics to the specialized and increasingly prevalent area of MAFLD and its cardiometabolic dimensions.

Session 1 included a comprehensive overview of HBV and HCV prevalence, diagnosis, and management strategies in the Pakistani context. There were practical sessions on interpreting LFTs, serological testing, and case-based management strategies aligned with current national and WHO guidelines.

Session 2 focused on diagnostic imaging and recognition of complications like ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), and variceal bleeding. It engaged participants in diagnosing cirrhosis through real-time imaging examples and case discussions.

Session 3 Addressed the epidemic rise of MAFLD as a public health challenge in Pakistan. It emphasized the importance of early screening, especially in primary care settings, and explored the metabolic underpinnings of disease progression.

Session 4 discussed interdisciplinary management, including the role of endocrinologists, nutritional therapy, and lifestyle interventions. It covered systemic complications and the need for palliative care approaches in advanced cases.

There was a healthy participation of highly acclaimed national in the course. Leading hepatologists and internal medicine specialists contributed to learning, ensuring evidence-based and context-relevant training. Real-time interactivity was also one of the hallmarks of this hybrid course. Weekly in-person discussions at each center enriched participant engagement and clarified complex clinical scenarios. The use of Zoom ensured seamless connectivity across all centers, minimizing geographic barriers to learning. Participants who fulfilled the attendance and assessment criteria received a DCPE-accredited certificate from Aga Khan University, emailed after course completion.

Participant Feedback

Overall, the activity was rated as excellent by 70% of the participants. 74% felt that the objectives of the course were clearly defined, and 71% said that they acquired new knowledge. When asked about whether the participants will recommend this course to their colleagues and peers, 79% responded in the affirmative.

Challenges and Recommendations

Internet reliability in some centers posed minor disruptions during live Zoom sessions; a hybrid backup mechanism for recordings is recommended for future iterations.

Participants requested more frequent follow-up webinars or refresher sessions, particularly on MAFLD and lifestyle modification strategies.

Conclusion

The 10th TEACH Pak Certificate Course successfully met its objective of equipping healthcare professionals with updated, practical knowledge on chronic hepatitis and liver diseases, with a special spotlight on MAFLD—a growing concern in the region. The course reinforced the critical need for early diagnosis, interdisciplinary care, and awareness at the primary care level. With its wide reach, expert-led sessions, and strong participant engagement, the course stands as a model for continuing professional education in hepatology across Pakistan.