Bridging the gap between Public Health and Community Medicine; ‘Community Medicine at a Crossroad: Present and Future of Community Medicine in Pakistan’

With changing healthcare needs and evolving medical education standards, it is essential to discuss the future of Community Medicine, particularly its role in undergraduate medical education. Shifa College of Medicine conducted a panel discussion Bridging the gap between Public Health and Community Medicine; ‘Community Medicine at a Crossroad: Present and Future of Community Medicine in Pakistan’ in the 13th International Public Health Conference held on 12 &13^th Dec 2023 at Health Services Academy, Islamabad.  

By bringing together experts, educators and policy makers; with the insights from the eminent panelists, the panel discussion provided a platform for an informed and insightful discussion on the future of Community Medicine and Public Health in Pakistan, exploring a community-based approach and potential reforms in undergraduate medical education, discussing strategies/ opportunities for enhancing Public Health and Community Medicine practices in medical education leading to a significant improvement in the national healthcare system. The session was chaired by Professor Dr. M. Iqbal Khan Vice Chancellor Shifa Tameer –e-Millat University. Co-Chairs were Maj. Gen. (R) Imran Fazal Director Foundation University School of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Lubna Ansari Baig Director PhD Programme University of Lahore, Prof Dr. Riffat Shafi, Dr. Imdad Ali Registrar PM&DC was the Keynote Speaker.  Dr. Sajida Naseem Associate Professor, Head of Department-Community Medicine Shifa College of Medicine, STMU was the Discussant.  Session Panelists included: Brig. Dr. Naila Azam, Dr. Shagufta Feroze, Dr. Fouzia Amir and  Dr. Mariam Ashraf.