In the quiet town of Bathurst, Dr. Zainab Wajih is on a mission to bring kidney health to the forefront of healthcare discussions. As a newly qualified nephrologist, she has dedicated her career to this vital organ, which plays a crucial role in the body’s overall health.
Dr. Wajih’s journey to becoming a kidney specialist began two years ago when she officially qualified as a nephrologist. Her inspiration came early in her career, working under a head of medicine who was both a nephrologist and a general medicine specialist. “I think I was inspired early on,” she recalled, “because the head of medicine, whom I was working under at the time, happened to be a nephrologist.”
Her path took a serendipitous turn when she moved to Australia. One of her first medical rotations as a junior doctor was in nephrology, a field she found offered a holistic approach to healthcare. “You can make a big difference that way,” Dr. Wajih explained. “I feel like that’s what inspired me to be a nephrologist, and I feel I absolutely made the best decision.”
From Pakistan to Bathurst: A Journey of Impact
After completing her training, Dr. Wajih found herself at a crossroads. With no immediate opportunities lined up, she accepted a position at Bathurst Hospital. “I just thought I would go where I was needed,” she said. The move to Bathurst was another pivotal decision, as there was no other kidney specialist in the area. “I thought I could probably make a bigger difference in a smaller area like Bathurst, as opposed to somewhere like Sydney,” she added.
The transition to Bathurst was not without its challenges. “When we moved was literally the first time we came to Bathurst,” Dr. Wajih admitted. “On the drive here, I was like ‘what have I done?’ But it’s such a calming environment. I really enjoy my work, I enjoy talking to people, and I have learnt a lot from my patients as well.”
Understanding Kidney Health: A Silent Danger
Dr. Wajih is passionate about raising awareness of kidney health, which she describes as the body’s major filtration system. Kidneys are responsible for cleaning waste and toxins from the blood, controlling blood pressure, and producing hormones essential for health. “Essentially, one kidney is made up of tiny filters, and there is one million per kidney,” she explained.
“We actually study the kidneys at a very, very microscopic level, and if you look at the nephrons, each portion of that does something different, and the chemistry is different at each level.”
Despite their importance, kidney disease often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Dr. Wajih recommends regular check-ups, especially for those with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, or being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent.
Promoting Preventive Health Measures
Dr. Wajih advocates for a proactive approach to kidney health. She encourages everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle by eating well, avoiding smoking or vaping, limiting alcohol consumption, and staying hydrated. “As a preventive, I would encourage everybody to lead a healthy lifestyle,” she emphasized.
Her efforts in Bathurst are not just about treating kidney disease but also about fostering a community that values preventive health. The feedback from her patients has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing her belief that she is making a significant impact.
Dr. Wajih’s work in Bathurst exemplifies the power of dedicated healthcare professionals in smaller communities. Her journey from Pakistan to Australia highlights the universal need for kidney health awareness and the difference one person can make in a community.
As Dr. Wajih continues her mission, she remains committed to educating and empowering her patients, ensuring that kidney health remains a priority in Bathurst and beyond.
