Research Day: Poster Sessions, Quickfire Talks and Data Drills Mark a Day of Ideas at RMC

Rehman Medical College (RMC) opened its doors to a vibrant and inspiring day of scholarly activity as it hosted the Annual Medical Students Research Day, an event that placed the spotlight squarely on the next generation of physician-scientists.

From meticulously crafted posters to high-pressure quizzes and drill rounds, the day celebrated not only academic excellence but also the spirit of curiosity and collaboration that drives the world of medicine forward.

Students, mentors, and senior faculty gathered in a celebration of inquiry, innovation, and the steady rise of research culture at RMC.

Poster Competition Steals the Spotlight

The Research Poster Competition, the hallmark of the day, was officially inaugurated by a distinguished panel including Dean RMI Prof. Dr. Shahzada Bakhtiar Zahid, Principal RMC Prof. Dr. Mukhtiar Zaman, and Director Research RMI Prof. Dr. Naila Irum Hadi. Rows of student posters lined the halls, capturing cutting-edge themes—from clinical case studies to original research and meta-analyses.

Winners across categories were chosen by a panel led by Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Qayum, who praised the participants for their scientific rigor and presentation skills. In the Synopsis category, Bareera and her team secured first place, followed by Waqas and his team. The Case Reports and Original Study category was led by Khizer Naveed’s team, while Safoora Zia’s team followed closely as runners-up. In Meta-Analysis, Mian Zahid Jan Kakakhel and his team claimed the top position, with Waqas Rahman’s team as the runners-up.

Skill Meets Strategy: Drill, Quizzes and Quickfire Talks

Beyond posters, the day unfolded with a packed agenda of intellectually charged events. The Research Drill tested critical thinking under pressure, a domain where Mohsin Iqbal’s team stood out as champions, while Tayyab Niaz and his group clinched second place.

In the Research Quiz, quick recall and applied knowledge were the keys to success. Nawal’s team triumphed, while Team Umair Asif secured the runner-up spot. The 3-minute talk challenged participants to present complex ideas in clear, concise formats — a format that mirrors real-world scientific communication.

Teaching Evidence, Shaping Doctors: The Data Workshop

Amid the student competitions, a key academic offering of the day was the focused workshop Understanding Data: Your First Step into Analysis. Led by Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Qayum, former Director Research RMC, the session introduced future doctors to the core principles of data handling, statistical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making. For many students, this marked their first structured exposure to the tools that underpin all clinical research.

Behind the scenes, the day was orchestrated by the Department of Medical Education under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Irfan Afzal Mughal. His guidance was instrumental in making the event both logistically smooth and academically enriching.

The closing ceremony was presided over by Principal RMC Prof. Dr. Mukhtiar Zaman and Vice Principal Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam Qamar. In their joint remarks, they acknowledged the students’ dedication and the value of research in shaping well-rounded medical graduates. “Today’s researchers are tomorrow’s change-makers,” said Prof. Zaman. “This culture of inquiry must become the norm, not the exception.”

Research, Relevance, And the Future

Whether it was Bareera’s thoughtful synopsis, Mohsin’s strategic precision in the drill, or the quiet confidence of data workshop attendees, one message rang loud and clear across the campus: the future of medicine lies in evidence, curiosity, and a willingness to question.