RMC students put research at the heart of medical education

The Student Research Society of Rehman Medical College (RMC) has wrapped up its annual research conference, a two-day event that brought together students, academics and health experts to debate how medical research can respond to both local and global challenges.

The opening ceremony was marked by calls to build a culture of inquiry among young medics. Prof Dr Shahzad Akbar Khan, dean of Hayatabad Medical Complex, praised the initiative and urged students to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation. “Medical research is no longer optional but a necessity,” said Irfan Afzal Mughal, head of the Student Research Society, who argued that rising disease burdens made student-led inquiry essential.

The conference mixed poster competitions, oral sessions and keynote talks with drills and discussions designed to sharpen skills and encourage collaboration. Speakers stressed that small interventions often have global impacts, pointing to health research as a means to address climate change as well as local healthcare gaps. RMI’s chief executive officer, Shafique ur Rehman, said students must learn to “challenge statistics and question accepted norms” if they are to generate meaningful solutions.

At the closing ceremony, Prof Shahzada Bakhtiar Zahid, dean of RMI, described the gathering as a reflection of Pakistan’s strong need to prioritise research in countries where funding is scarce. Vice principal Prof Muhammad Aslam Qamar reminded participants that alongside healthcare and education, research stood as RMI’s third institutional pillar.

Over two days, students and researchers from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – joined by online participants – showcased projects, exchanged knowledge and competed for awards. The event closed with certificates and shields for outstanding work, and a renewed call for curiosity, teamwork and solutions that extend beyond the classroom.