Dr. Amrish Krishnan, a nephrologist from Fiji, is currently honing his skills at Cairns Hospital in Australia, where he is undergoing advanced training. His mentorship comes from Dr. Murty Mantha, an interventional nephrologist and director of renal services at the facility.
Throughout his career, Dr. Krishnan has faced the sorrow of losing numerous patients in Fiji—both young and old—who succumbed to complications related to kidney dialysis. These complications often resulted from narrowed blood vessels or blood clots, which had diminished their options for vascular access necessary for ongoing treatment. He emphasized the emotional burden of such losses, in a context where there was previously no specialist in the Pacific Islands capable of addressing these critical issues.
Dr. Krishnan expressed hope for the future, stating that gaining these advanced skills and knowledge will greatly enhance the delivery of renal care in Fiji. He is committed to sharing what he learns with his colleagues back home, potentially adding immense value to the healthcare landscape, especially for patients who currently face dire circumstances.
Every year, over 800 individuals in Fiji are diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, and shockingly, around 40% do not survive beyond six months post-diagnosis. By acquiring specialized skills, Dr. Krishnan aims to change this narrative and improve outcomes for renal patients in Fiji.
This initiative not only highlights Dr. Krishnan’s dedication to his patients but also represents a promising step forward towards improving healthcare in the Pacific region. The investment in training will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact, not only saving lives but also fostering knowledge transfer among medical professionals in Fiji.
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