Twenty sixth batch Organ Donation Ambassador module 2 training was conducted online on November 25, 2023. From school student to office professionals a group of 4 enthusiastic individuals participated and interacted on a zoom platform with experts. The participants underwent a Gratitude Workshop, learnt how to make a presentation and means of reaching to the public. 

Session 1: Self introduction

The Module 2 training started with a short recap of the Training and expectations by Dr Hemal Kanvinde, and the participants introducing themselves. 

Session 2: Interaction with the experts

The second session was interactions with stakeholders in the field of donation and transplantation.  The experts were: Dr. Nagraj Naik Consultant nephrologist, SDM College of Medical Science & Hospital; Mr Ragavan V, Senior Officer Transplant, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru;  Dr Vaishaly Bharambe, Professor – Anatomy, Symbiosis Medical College for Women, Pune; Mr Rajnikant, Assistant Sub Inspector – Lung Recipient, Jamshedpur; Dr. Sunil Shroff, Managing Trustee, MOHAN Foundation; Dr Muneet Kaur Sahi, Project Manager,  MOHAN Foundation Delhi NCR; and Dr Hemal Kanvinde Q&A Officer MOHAN Foundation Chennai. 

The Ambassador trainees raised queries on how to create awareness, is brain death really death, if we speak to rural populations can donations happen there,  skin donation and transplantation, counselling of transplant recipient to maintain compliance with medicines. Mr Raghavan described a case study highlighting the difficulties during counselling and the importance of accepting the family discussion. Mr Rajnikant spoke of the importance of family in keeping his hopes and supporting him till he got his transplant.

Session 3: Gratitude Workshop

Gratitude Workshop conducted by Dr Muneet Kaur Sahi, Project Manager, MOHAN Foundation staff. She spoke of the donor family and the feelings of a recipient.  She asked the candidates to write as if they have received an organ and wish to express their gratitude to the donor families. All letters were read out during the session and Dr Muneet shared her views on them.  With the participants expressing their feelings the session turned out to be an emotional session.

 Session 4: Creating Awareness

This session conducted by Dr Hemal Kanvinde exposed the candidates to the various ways of creating awareness to the public, from small group talks to rallies. She also insisted the ambassadors share their presentation after completion, so she could fact check and suggest feedback on improvement.

The Ambassadors expressed their gratitude and were thankful for the session and promised to start their awareness activities. The training ended with feedback from the candidates.