APPNA Academy

Course Description:

We aim to enlighten physicians with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate infectious diseases confidently. This concise Infectious Disease course is tailored for general medical practitioners in Pakistan, addressing the critical need for improved antibiotic prescription practices.

Target Audience: 

General practitioners, family physicians, and healthcare professionals committed to enhancing their infectious disease management skills.

Objectives:

At the end of the course, the participants would be able to :

1. Learn evidence-based practices to optimize antibiotic use and combat resistance.
2. Master diagnostic techniques for accurate and timely identification of pathogens.
3. Gain insights into current international and regional guidelines for infectious disease management.
4. Enhance ability to make informed decisions in the prescription of antibiotics.

Mode of Delivery: 

Two-hour live sessions via Zoom once or twice monthly, with recordings available for asynchronous learning.

Course Duration: 5 Months. 

Time: Saturdays, 6: 00 PM  – 8:00 PM Pakistan time

(9:00 AM - 11:00 AM US Eastern time)

Assessment Method:

Participants will undergo periodic knowledge quizzes during the lectures, testing their grasp of course concepts. There will be group discussions at the conclusion of each session to encourage collaborative learning and communication skills. The course concludes with a comprehensive post-test covering all aspects. Additionally, course instructors will prompt participants to introspect on personal experiences and insights gained throughout the course. This balanced assessment method ensures a thorough evaluation of theoretical understanding, equipping practitioners to enhance their infectious disease management skills effectively.

Course Faculty:

Dr. Mohammad Zeeshan
Dr. Sana Anwar
Dr. Faisal Sultan
Dr. Shobha Luxmi
Dr. Humaira Shafi
Dr. Furqana Akhtar
Dr. Farheen Ali
Dr. Asma Nasim
Dr. Tahreem
Dr. Shahnilla
Dr. Mumtaz Ali Khan
Dr. Syed Faisal Mehmood
Dr. Fozia Qamar
Dr. M. Faheem Afzal
Dr. Ayesha Iftikhar
Dr. Sunil Dodani
Dr. Faran Ahmad

Course Outline:

Session 1 - April 4th, 2026

• Microbiology for general practitioners
• Emerging anti-microbial resistance and appropriate antibiotics selection

Session 2 - April 18th, 2026

• Infection in immune compromised patients
• Infections involving the cardiovascular system (bloodstream infections and endocarditis )

Session 3 - May 9th, 2026

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Lower respiratory infections including TB

Session 4- May 16th, 2026

• Infections involving the gastrointestinal system : hepatobiliary infections
• Infections involving the gastrointestinal system : diarrheal illnesses

Session 5 - May 30th, 2026

• Infections of uro-genital and STI
• Unveiling the spectrum: understanding skin and soft tissue infections

Session 6 - June 13th, 2026

• Approach to malaria for general practitioners
• Dengue fever

Session 7 - June 27th, 2026

• Tropical infections in retruning travelers
• HIV management for general practitioners

Session 8 - July 11th, 2026

• Community acquired pediatric infectious diseases for the understanding of GP
• Immunization update for general practitioners in pakistan.

Session 9 - July 25th, 2026

• Infection prevention practices for GP, and outbreak management.
• Infections of the musculoskeletal system including diabetic foot infection

Session 10 - August 8th, 2026

• Antimicrobial stewardship practices in Pakistan
• Course wrap up