Obstetric fistula is one of the most serious and tragic childbirth injuries. In this episode we discuss in details what causes obstetric fistulas and fistula foundation stories.

In clinical obstetrics,Magnesium sulphate use is widespread . Dr. Shanzi explains the dosing, indications, when to increase dose and other protocals to consider when administering MgSO4.

Infection control prevents or stops the spread of infections in healthcare settings. In this episode we discuss of how infections spread, ways to prevent the spread of infections, and more detailed practices to consider. Effective infection prevention and control practices contribute greatly to reducing the risk of infection transmission between patients, healthcare workers and others in the healthcare environment; they are an essential component of safe, quality health care.

Oxytocin is one of the most commonly used medications in obstetrics and has been associated with claims of negligence in cases of adverse outcomes. Errors involving intravenous oxytocin administration for induction or augmentation of labor are most commonly dose related. Clinicians should be knowledgeable regarding pharmacokinetics of oxytocin and the effect. Dr. Shanzi explains more on indications and contraindications of oxytocin.

The high number of maternal deaths in some areas of the world reflects inequalities in access to quality health services and highlights the gap between rich and poor. The MMR in low income countries in 2017 is 462 per 100 000 live births versus 11 per 100 000 live births in high income countries. In this episode Dr. Shanzi explains what Maternal mortality is, contributing factors, causes and some procedures to do when a maternal mortality happens.

Resuscitation is one of the most frequently performed procedures in the neonatal period. Fiona Mtawali a ML shares some points on the procedures involved when resuscitating.

Episode 2 in season 2, we continue with our expert, Dr Shanzi and his interesting discussion on pre-eclampsia.

In part 1 of our first episode this season, Mary Kuyela talks to Dr Aubrey Shanzi, a consultant obstetrician based in Lusaka. 

Welcome to Season 2 of Z-Med!

Before we kick off with our medical education topics, we start off season 2 with a short introduction from a keen subscriber about his medical career, and why he finds Z-Med podcast useful to his studies and practice.

Given the Covid -19 challenges that we have faced this year, we have not been able to use our usual studio to record Z-Med. However, we know many of our student-listeners have not stopped learning over this period, and as such, rather than delay season 2 until it is safe to once again open our studio, we went ahead and recorded your podcast with whatever method and device we were able to use. We are deligthed that season 2 is now rolling out, and apologise that the sound quality might not mirror that of season 1.  We'll continue to improve on this as we learn, and hope that you find the expert voices bringing quality kowledge as interesting as we have at SolidarMed Zambia!

Happy listening and study hard!

Mary Kuyela and the Z-Med team

Mary Kuyela speaks to Medical Licentiate Constance Nkandu about acute diarrhoea.