Meet-Our-Alumni Series
In conversation with Dr Neelam Punjani
(BScN '10, MScN '14)
"Embrace the challenges and opportunities that nursing offers. It's a profoundly rewarding profession that allows you to make real impact." - Dr Punjani
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1. What are your fondest memories from your time at SONAM?
My time at the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKU-SONAM) is filled with cherished memories. I fondly remember the long hours spent in the library, the companionship among classmates, and the dedication of our professors. The supportive and stimulating environment at SONAM was instrumental in fostering my passion for nursing and research. Campus events, outreach programs, and clinical placements particularly stand out as moments where I not only learned but also connected deeply with my future profession.
2. How did your education at SONAM help you achieve your life goals?
The education I received at SONAM was transformative. It extended beyond traditional nursing education to instill critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and a global health perspective. This holistic approach equipped me with the skills and mindset needed to pursue my ambitions and make meaningful contributions to healthcare.
3. Can you tell us about your journey from studying at the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery in Karachi, Pakistan, to becoming an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta’s Faculty?
Transitioning from SONAM to an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta was a journey of perseverance, continuous learning, and embracing new opportunities. I began at AKU-SONAM, earning my BScN and MScN, where the rigorous curriculum and focus on research and community service built my clinical expertise and appreciation for evidence-based practices. Inspired to pursue leadership roles, I continued my studies abroad, earning a PhD in Nursing at the University of Alberta. Joining the faculty as a Lecturer and progressing to Assistant Professor, my responsibilities included curricular development, lecturing, and guiding research, with a focus on health equity.
Returning to my initial inspiration, I have always maintained a connection with my roots, often collaborating with health initiatives in Pakistan. This connection has been instrumental in guiding my efforts to blend local and global health perspectives in my teaching and research activities.
4. What are some of the biggest challenges that the nursing profession is facing today and how can nursing education contribute to the solution?
Today's nursing profession grapples with challenges such as workforce shortages, adapting to technological advancements, and addressing global health inequities. Nursing education can champion the solution by preparing nurses to be adaptive, culturally competent, and tech-savvy, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.
5. Could you expand on your research interests, particularly your focus on promoting sexual and mental health among children and adolescents, and your innovative work in developing digital tools to translate knowledge for parents?
My research is passionately centered on the promotion of sexual and mental health among children and adolescents. By developing digital tools to disseminate knowledge effectively to parents and caregivers, my aim is to bridge the gap between complex health research and practical, accessible guidance, enhancing the well-being of younger populations.
6. What significant lessons have you learned throughout your learning journey?
Throughout my learning journey, the most significant lesson has been the importance of empathy and understanding in nursing. Every patient's story is an opportunity to learn and grow both professionally and personally. This human connection is the essence of nursing and drives my commitment to patient care and education. It's also crucial to embrace failure as a part of the learning process, viewing every setback as an opportunity to grow and improve.
7. How do you balance the dual role of being an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta and a wife and mother?
Balancing my roles as a professional and a family woman requires careful time management and prioritization. It's about making conscious choices every day to ensure that I'm present and engaged in both my professional responsibilities and family life. Support from my family and colleagues, along with self-care practices, have been key to maintaining this balance.
8. How have your publications and numerous scholarships and awards, including recognition as one of WHO's Global 100 Outstanding Women Nurses, shaped your career trajectory and future objectives in advancing patient engagement and nursing science?
My scholarly work and the recognition I've received have profoundly shaped my career trajectory. These achievements not only validate my contributions to nursing science and patient engagement but also motivate me to further my research into areas that can make a tangible impact on healthcare outcomes. They've also opened doors for collaboration and innovation, allowing me to contribute to the advancement of nursing on a global scale.
9. What does success mean to you and what are your future goals?
To me, success means making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities through nursing science and education. My future goals include advancing digital health initiatives to improve the sexual and mental health of children and youth globally, mentoring the next generation of nurses, and continuing to contribute to the body of knowledge in nursing and healthcare.
10. Would you like to share some messages for prospective nursing students and alumni?
To prospective nursing students, embrace the challenges and opportunities that nursing offers. It's a profoundly rewarding profession that allows you to make real impact. To my fellow alumni, let's continue to lead with compassion, innovate for change, and support one another in our collective mission to improve health globally. Remember, the journey of learning and contributing never ends.
