Theme: “Self-care is Healthcare”
In celebration of a Decade of Excellence, the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) successfully conducted "Wellness Week 2025". Curated by the Department of Avant Health Initiatives & Lifestyle Medicine (AHI), this week-long campaign underscored the transformative power of self-care through Lifestyle Medicine, bringing together students, faculty, and experts to reflect on holistic health.
Day 1: Mindful Monday – Everyday Choices Matter
The week commenced with an opening seminar, "Lifestyle in Focus," featuring interactive talks and skill-building sessions on nutrition, sleep, and conscious living. Dr. Omar Zafar Jhagra, Director of AHI, inaugurated the event. Directors of different departments, deans, students, and faculty attended the session, while Maj. General Farrukh Saeed, HI(M), (Retired), the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academics), graced the session as Chief Guest. Dr. Jaweria Abid, Dr. Joham Sarfraz Ali, and Dr. Saba Masoud delivered insightful talks. Dr Jaweria Abid shared practical and impactful guidance regarding simple lifestyle and dietary choices, including balanced meals, hydration, physical activity, and portion control, and the significant impact of such changes on one's long-term well-being. Dr Joham Sarfraz Ali and Dr Saba Masoud discussed the critical role of quality sleep in overall mental and physical health, addressing sleep disorders, effective sleep hygiene practices, and evidence-based strategies to optimize restorative sleep. Following this, the session continued with a poster competition and a Healthy Cuisine Exhibition. A Mini Workshop Series on "Empowering Everyday Choices" concluded the day, reinforcing the importance of personal habits in disease prevention.
Day 2: Transformative Tuesday – Coaching Skills for Sustainable Change
The department successfully conducted the first session of its two-day Lifestyle Medicine webinar series on Tuesday, 06 May 2025. Titled "Coaching Skills for Sustainable Change," this session was delivered by Dr. Saira Malik, a UK-based GP and prominent voice in preventive healthcare and medical education.
Around 35 healthcare professionals and Lifestyle Medicine Course participants attended the practical skill-building session for healthcare professionals and lifestyle medicine practitioners that emphasized the value of and how to integrate brief coaching techniques into patient care. It focused on improving confidence and communication in preventive healthcare. The session highlighted practical strategies to incorporate communication and patient empowerment into routine care.
Her multifaceted experience, including her roles as CVD Prevention Clinical Lead, Vice Chair of the Quality & Safety Committee, and NHS CORE20PLUS5 Ambassador, enriched the session with a real-world perspective.
Day 3: Wellbeing Wednesday – From Burnout to Balance
The two-day webinar series ended on Wednesday, 07 May 2025, with the second session, "From Burnout to Balance". The session tackled the increasingly relevant topic of physician burnout, led by Dr. Saania Bhatti, a UK-based Portfolio GP and advocate for holistic wellbeing.
Focusing on mental health, healing, and resilience, the interactive session provided a safe space for open dialogue. Dr. Bhatti shared insights from her work in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and her affiliations with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice, and the Culinary Medicine Programme.
Participants engaged actively in the Q&A segment, drawing valuable strategies to combat stress and restore professional balance. These webinars reflect the department's ongoing collaboration and excellence in Lifestyle Medicine.
Day 5: Fulfilment & Fitness Friday – The Power of Purpose
Held at AFIC, the concluding seminar titled ‘Lifestyle Medicine Essentials: From Inner Purpose to Lasting Change’ brought together experts from preventive cardiology and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Omar Zafar Jhagra, Col Azhar Chaudhary, and other distinguished speakers presented on topics ranging from purpose-driven health to sustainable weight management. The event was honored by the Pro Vice-Chancellor NUMS Maj Gen Salman Ashraf HI (M) (Retd)
The successful execution of Wellness Week 2025 marks a significant step in fostering a culture of preventive healthcare and holistic well-being within NUMS. The Department of Avant Health Initiatives sincerely thanks collaborators, guest speakers, and participants for their enthusiasm and commitment to the vision of “Self-care is Healthcare.”
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