Featured Student: Ahmad Asdo

What is your field of study and when will you graduate?

I study Integrated Sciences with focus on Pharmacology and Global Health. My graduation date is set to be May 2025.

Why did you choose to enroll in Co-op?

I think Co-op is as valuable to a degree as academics.

Most people would agree that it is not enough to know the theory; a student should have the capacity to apply this theory and understand the real-world challenges associated with it. This cannot be maintained except by a simultaneous program that immerses the students in such a real-world medium. Further, a Co-op position can lead to substantial growth in the mindset, support endurance and enforce discipline.

Credit goes to my senior friends advocating for Co-op and making me invested in the idea!

Which positions did you work during Co-op?

I have held one position so far during my enrolment in the program, as a research assistant at the Institute for Global Health at BC Children’s Hospital.

Can you talk about your experiences as a Project Assistant at BC Children’s hospital, starting with a general explanation of sepsis and its severity as a global health issue?

Sepsis poses a significant threat to child welfare on a global scale, representing a critical health issue that demands attention and intervention.

Sepsis is a severe and potentially life-threatening medical condition that arises when the body's response to infection becomes dysregulated, leading to widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction. Typically triggered by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, sepsis can affect various organs, and if not promptly treated, it can progress to septic shock, where blood pressure drops dramatically and vital organs fail.

As a global health issue, sepsis poses a significant challenge due to its high prevalence and associated mortality rates. It can affect individuals of all ages, from neonates to the elderly, and is often a result of infections acquired in healthcare settings. Limited awareness, delayed recognition, and variations in healthcare infrastructure contribute to the severity of sepsis worldwide.

Unfortunately, the burden of sepsis is disproportionately borne by vulnerable populations in low-resource settings, where access to essential healthcare services and resources may be limited. Factors such as inadequate sanitation, malnutrition and lack of access to vaccinations contribute to the heightened susceptibility of children in these regions to infections that can precipitate sepsis.

Developing countries, in particular, face additional challenges in addressing sepsis due to limited resources, making it a critical focus for global health initiatives aimed at improving infection prevention, early detection, and access to timely and effective treatment.

Can you explain pulse oximetry?

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method used to measure the oxygen saturation level in a person's blood. It involves a device called a pulse oximeter, which is typically attached to a thin part of the body, such as a fingertip or earlobe. The device uses two wavelengths of light, one that is absorbed by oxygenated hemoglobin and another that is absorbed by deoxygenated hemoglobin. The pulse oximeter emits these two light beams through the skin to the blood vessels, and a photodetector on the other side of the tissue measures the amount of light that passes through.

Based on the detected light, the device calculates the oxygen saturation by determining the ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated hemoglobin. The pulse oximeter emits these two light beams through the skin to the blood vessels, and a photodetector on the other side of the tissue measures the amount of light that passes.

Have there been any positive outcomes or progress on treatment of sepsis based on the research you worked with?

The research project I was involved in has contributed significantly to future work of the institute.

In the context of sepsis, where rapid and accurate assessment is paramount, ensuring the reliability of monitoring tools like pulse oximeters is essential. Any insights gained from repeatability studies can contribute to refining diagnostic and monitoring protocols for septic patients, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

Inaccurate oxygen saturation readings can lead to incorrect clinical decisions, potentially resulting in delayed interventions or inappropriate treatments. For example, if a pulse oximeter provides falsely high readings, clinicians may underestimate the severity of a patient's condition, leading to inadequate oxygen supplementation. Conversely, falsely low readings could prompt unnecessary interventions, causing undue stress or discomfort to patients.

By investigating the sources of uncertainty in oxygen saturation measurements, we aim to identify factors that may affect the accuracy of pulse oximeters in real-world clinical scenarios. This knowledge can inform improvements in device design, calibration procedures, and user training, ultimately enhancing the reliability of oxygen saturation monitoring and improving patient safety.

Our work has been utilized by the different teams in the Institute for Global Health to develop models that rely on more accurate and reliable pulse oximetry measurements, particularly in the context of sepsis. The improved measurements are crucial for monitoring patients and making informed decisions about their care.

Can you share your favourite experience while in Co-op?

Every day in Co-op is a new experience.

The challenges and hecticness of the work environment are something I really relish. If I was to pick one moment, I would choose the moment where our abstract for RRate mobile app repeatability was rewarded the Best Clinical Practice title in the Society for Technology in Anesthesia Conference. It was a very heartwarming moment in which our hard work as a team was acknowledged by a prestigious entity.

What was your best achievement in Co-op?

My best achievement as a Co-op student is the relationship that we built as a research team.

Despite having so many other good achievements such as having a peer reviewed publication in a scientific journal, I think the trust we have towards each other, the personal connection and the mutual appreciation of efforts are extremely important. Undoubtedly, having been a part of such environment is my dearest and proudest achievement!

What did you feel most challenged by and how did you overcome it?

I had to work in coding a lot during my placement.

My experience in coding comes mainly from personal interest — and here comes the challenge. At the beginning, I struggled with syntax and debugging, but after getting more exposure, the challenge shifted to be how to feed the machine the optimal logic that can achieve the best results by the least computational price. First, I think patience is crucial, because the learning curve is steep. Second, consulting with experts on the team is always a good solution and lastly, doing research about each particular problem and learning from available online resources is your best friend in such placements!

How do you feel Co-op helped your personal growth?

The exposure to various projects during Co-op has significantly contributed to my academic and personal development. I've sensed substantial improvements in my understanding and application of the scientific method, honing my analytical and research skills. Academic writing has been a focal point of my growth and Co-op provided a platform to refine this skill, fostering clarity and precision in expressing complex ideas.

The experience in academia has been transformative, particularly in enhancing my ability to acquire and transmit knowledge. Explaining intricate mathematical concepts related to coding, reading a multitude of papers and delivering presentations has molded me into a more effective communicator. The Co-op journey has been instrumental in breaking down barriers to understanding complex ideas, making me more adept at engaging diverse audiences. I'm grateful for these experiences and attribute much of my progress in self-discipline and scientific communication to my placements.

How do you feel Co-op has helped your career?

Co-op has played a crucial role in building a robust professional network. Collaborating with experts in the field, engaging with colleagues and establishing connections with mentors during placements enhanced my visibility within the professional community.

These connections have proven to be valuable resources, offering guidance, mentorship and potential avenues for future collaborations. In essence, Co-op has not only equipped me with the practical skills needed for my career, but also provided a holistic understanding of the professional landscape, making me more adaptable and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

Which supports from the Science Co-op program (workshops, practice interviews, etc.) do you feel best assisted you? Can you talk about the direct impact on your career?

Workshops on resume writing and professional networking provided me with valuable insights, into crafting effective resumes and leveraging networking opportunities to expand my professional connections.

By attending these workshops, I learned how to highlight his relevant experiences and skills, making my resume stand out to potential employers. Moreover, I gained practical strategies for networking and building relationships within my desired industry, which proved invaluable in my job search and career development.

The direct impact of these Co-op supports on my career was profound. With enhanced interview skills and a polished resume, I was better equipped to compete for the competitive positions in my field.

What advice would you offer to future Co-op students?

View setbacks not as obstacles, but as stepping stones for growth. The Co-op experience is a dynamic and evolving process; setbacks are inherent to any learning journey. Use challenges as platforms for improvement and innovation. Seek feedback earnestly and don't shy away from acknowledging areas for development. It's through constructive criticism and a willingness to learn that true growth occurs.

What are you looking forward to after graduation?

I'm keen on establishing connections and networks forged during my academic and Co-op endeavors, while recognizing the importance of collaboration in achieving professional success. Whether it's navigating the challenges of graduate school, delving into research, or preparing for a potential medical school journey, I'm excited about the multifaceted opportunities that lie ahead.