A Holistic Approach to Care
Tarfah Albazie and her son Abdullah Alhabib in Philadelphia
It was the day of Tarfah’s last appointment—the appointment that would determine if Mrs. Albazie was cleared to return home to Saudi Arabia. Before going, she and her son, Abdullah Alhabib, were greeted by Dr. Yasser Alsharqi, Director of Patient Services from Philadelphia International Medicine, at the Franklin Residence hotel where they were staying.
On the way to the appointment, the three of them together reflected on her medical journey, which began in April 2016 when she was informed that she would need a liver transplant.
Tarfah, with her son by her side, had flown to the United States and was admitted directly into Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Tarfah not only received medical attention and a liver transplant on June 25th, but also developed a positive relationship with those in charge of her care, Dr. Ashesh Shah (Liver Transplant Surgeon and Assistant Professor) and the Philadelphia International Medicine staff.
Before and after our arrival in Philadelphia, PIM constantly kept us fully informed and helped us through the process.
Mrs. Albazie received a liver transplant at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Mrs. Albazie and her son are very thankful to the government of Saudi Arabia and King Salman for directing her treatment abroad. The embassy had introduced them to Philadelphia International Medicine and Dr. Yasser, who assisted them throughout their journey. “Before and after our arrival in Philadelphia, PIM constantly kept us fully informed and helped us through the process,” recalls Abdullah.
She also received comprehensive rehabilitation at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital while staying in constant communication with Philadelphia International Medicine staff after her transplant surgery was completed.
After 10 months of treatment, Dr. Ashesh Shah gives Mrs. Albazie the approval to return home
Tarfah was released from the hospital in September 2016 and continued her follow-up appointments with Dr. Shah, hospital staff, specialists, rehabilitation, and participated in a home nursing program.
We didn’t have much hope in the beginning, but, thanks to everyone, we found a second home. Professionalism and care brought Mom back to health.
Having arrived at Dr. Shah’s office at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for her final appointment, Abdullah takes notice of the daily progress that he sees in his mother’s recovery, hopeful that Dr. Shah will give them good news during the follow-up appointment.
After spending 10 months in Philadelphia recovering from her liver transplant surgery, Dr. Shah can happily tell Tarfah that she has made a full recovery and is cleared to return to her home in Saudi Arabia.
“She’s doing much better after the liver transplant. Eating, talking to family,” explains Abdullah. “Words can’t describe how grateful we are for the [Thomas Jefferson University Hospital] staff, hospital, and PIM. We didn’t have much hope in the beginning, but, thanks to everyone, we found a second home. Professionalism and care brought Mom back to health.” Mrs. Albazie continues to stay in contact with Philadelphia International Medicine.
Mrs. Albazie and Abdullah converse with PIM Patient Services Director, Dr. Yasser Alsharqi
