Module 2 Training for the 10th Batch of Organ Donation Ambassadors

• 

  Participant introduction

  

  Dr. Hemal introducing the experts

  

  Ms. Jaya Jairam answering questions from the audience

  

  Dr. Balaji Kirushnan during the interaction

  

  Gratitude and communication workshop in progress

  

  Dr. Hemal explaining awareness creation methods

  

  The final poll in progress

  MOHAN Foundation’s Organ Donation Ambassadors training program is comprised of three modules: 

  • Module 1: 4-hour online learning - Gift of Life Course
  • Module 2: 3-hour virtual interaction with experts, understanding communication and practices of presentations 
  • Module 3: Public awareness activities by the Ambassadors

  On 30^th October 2021, 8 participants attended the Module 2 part of the training. The group included students of Amity University, Stella Maris College, nurses and a few others. Interestingly, one of the trainees was a kidney recipient and other, a civil services aspirant.

  This module was moderated by Dr. Hemal Kanvinde – Quality Assurance Officer and Ms. Ishwarya Thyagarajan – Research Associate of the Foundation. The first session of participant self-introduction, brought out different aspects of their lives and their motivation to join the Ambassador Training. The nurses were motivated by the patients they have seen in the hospital, one candidate read about organ donation and had watched the Karamveer episode on Kaun Banega Crorepati featuring Dr. Sunil Shroff and decided to learn more. The recipient wanted to fully understand the processes and create awareness.

  This was followed by feedback sharing for Module 1 and clarification of doubts. The experts for this session were Dr. Balalji Kirushnan, Nephrologist at Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, Dr. S. Bhanu Chandra, Senior Transplant Coordinator - Hyderabad, Mrs. Jaya Jairam, a kidney recipient and Project Director at the Foundation. The main discussions points were around the legal formalities, difficulties faced by the donor and recipient during living donation, organ allocation systems, organ utilisation, donation of organs by a recipient, steps to check the health of a living kidney donor and how to take this cause to the rural areas of India. Dr. S Bhanu Chandra shared a case study of a difficult donation with the group.

  The next session on Gratitude and Communication was conducted by Ms. Ishwarya. She guided the trainees to understand the feeling of a cadaver organ recipient and led an exercise to write letters thanking the donor families. She also gave tips on how to express gratitude and communicate about the value of the second chance at life that has been offered. The presence of a recipient helped the trainees understand the value of the donation. Participants read out their letters and received comments from the expert.

  In the next segment, the various modes of creating awareness were explained by Dr. Hemal. The participants were exposed to creative ways of campaigning for the noble cause. Samples of activities by other Ambassadors were also showcased. She also gave tips on how to prepare a presentation and effectively present it to an audience using examples of material used by the Foundation.  

  A poll was conducted to gauge the readiness and skills of the trainees. All of them chose to conduct awareness sessions. Dr. Hemal ended the training with a thank you and reiterated MOHAN Foundation’s commitment to help them with their efforts to raise awareness on organ donation.

  
  
  Source-Dr. Hemal Kanvinde