The 12th Annual Shifa Scholars’ Day at Shifa College of Medicine (SCM) marked a momentous occasion as it aligned with the 25th anniversary of SCM’s establishment. The event showcased the remarkable progress and achievements in the field of medical research and education. The day was a testament to the college’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Participation in the event transcended geographical boundaries as students from three provinces and 18 colleges, spanning both medical and dental disciplines, came together to present their contributions to the field of medicine. A record-breaking 135 submissions were received, encompassing a wide spectrum of research, from insightful case reports to comprehensive meta-analyses, covering diverse areas of medical science.
The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Azam, from the department of community medicine, who served as the master of ceremonies. Dr. Azam’s eloquent comparisons set the stage for a day filled with intellectual exploration and academic camaraderie. The event commenced with an address by Dr. Sajida Naseem, Head of the Department of Community Medicine. Dr. Sajida took the audience on a journey through the history and legacy of Scholars Day, highlighting its evolution as a platform for budding researchers to share their findings and insights.
Parallel to the on-site proceedings, an innovative online ePoster session was conducted, allowing participants to showcase their research virtually, expanding the reach of the event beyond the physical confines of the venue. This hybrid approach exemplified SCM’s adaptability to modern technological trends in the academic arena.
Formally inaugurating the event, Prof. Dr. Mohammed Amir, Principal of SCM and Dean FHS, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of Scholars Day in nurturing a culture of inquiry and critical thinking among the medical community. Distinguished experts in the field comprised the panel of judges, including Prof. Dr. Ashraf, Dean of Health Sciences and Anatomy, Dr. Naheed Gul (Medical Specialist), Dr. Fahad (Professor of Pharmacology), Dr. Tayyaba from the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), and Dr. Kholla from Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU).
After careful deliberation by the judges, Dr. Azam returned to the stage to express gratitude and introduced the honorable Chancellor of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU), Professor Dr. Manzoor H. Qazi. He not only addressed the audience with his insightful remarks but also had the honor of distributing prizes among the winners, further motivating the participants to excel in their research endeavors.
The event culminated in seeking the judges’ feedback about the event, highlighting their role in ensuring the quality and rigor of the showcased research. Both the Chancellor of STMU and the Principal of SCM took the stage once again to extend their heartfelt congratulations not only to the students but also to the Department of Community Medicine, led by Dr. Sajida Naseem, for orchestrating a successful and impactful event.
A memorable photo-op followed, where shields of appreciation were presented to the judges and cash prizes were awarded to the deserving student winners. The 12th Annual Scholars Day not only celebrated a quarter-century of SCM’s existence but also reinforced its commitment to fostering a culture of research, collaboration, and excellence in medical education.