INTERNATIONAL 18th UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE

United for Health: Research, Policy and Practice

Abstract Book: 152 projects

The 18th International UMR Conference was successfully held on April 22–23, 2025, at Peshawar Medical College under the unifying theme, “United for Health: Research, Policy, and Practice.” This landmark event brought together participants from across the globe, including Pakistan, Turkey, Somalia, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and academic collaboration. The conference was inaugurated by the distinguished Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University, who set an inspiring tone for the proceedings. The scientific sessions were enriched by contributions from globally recognized experts, including Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Prof. Dr. Junaid Sarfaraz, Prof. Dr. Najib Ul Haq, and Prof. Dr. Hafeez ur Rahman, who shared valuable insights bridging research, policy, and clinical practice. Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Bhutta, Co-Director “SickKids’ Centre for Global Child Health” in Canada, renowned for his groundbreaking work in global child health and nutrition, joined us as a Chief Guest and guest speaker for the opening ceremony and gave a plenary on the topic “Health Research in Pakistan: Necessity or Luxury?” The closing ceremony was graced by the chief Guest, Capt. (R) Kamran Afridi, Secretary of Higher Education Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with distinguished guests of Honor, Prof. Dr. Zafar Mirza, Mr. Nasir Shah, Prof. Dr. Zahoor A. Swati, Dr. Hala Rajab, and Mr. Hamza Farooq, President of the UMR Society. Their presence underscored the significance of the conference as a platform for shaping future healthcare leaders. The research hosted participants from all over the world presenting 152 research projects as 109 poster and 43 verbal presentations in Basic & Clinical Sciences, Medical Education, Dental Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, and Public and Environmental Health Categories. (Annex-7, 18th UMR Bulletin 2025) The 18th UMR Conference not only highlighted the growing culture of undergraduate research but also reinforced the importance of international collaboration in advancing medical education and evidence-based practice. The event stood as a testament to the commitment of young researchers and academic leaders in addressing global health challenges through innovation, and scholarly excellence.

Winners of the 18th International UMR Conference 2025

The 18th International UMR Conference proudly recognized outstanding student achievements across multiple competitive categories. The following participants from Peshawar Medical College and Peshawar Dental College were honored for their exemplary work:

Research Poster Competition:

Medical Education Category

Second Position: Izaz Ahmad, 5th Year MBBS (Peshawar Medical College)

Public Health and Social Sciences Category:

First Position: M. Danial, 3rd Year MBBS (Peshawar Medical College)

Second Position: Ajwa Malik, 4th Year MBBS (Peshawar Medical College)

Dental Sciences Category:

First Position: Maleeha Anees, 3rd year MBBS (Peshawar Dental College)

Second Position: Eman Zarin, 3rd year MBBS (Peshawar Dental College)

Third Position: Sundas Ijaz Khattak, 3rd year MBBS (Peshawar Dental College)

Research Verbal Competition:

Public Health and Social Sciences Category:

Second Position: Mohammad Danial, 3rd Year MBBS (Peshawar Medical College)

Third Position: Sarmad Ali, 4th Year MBBS (Peshawar Medical College)

Research Quiz Competition:

First Position: Team Final Fighters (Peshawar Medical College)

Videography Competition

First Position: Ajwa Malik, 4th Year MBBS (Peshawar Medical College)

Second Position: Talat Khalid, 4th Year MBBS (Peshawar Medical College)

Third Position: Malak Amanullah Khan, 5th Year MBBS (Peshawar Medical College)

Research Idea Pitch Competition

First Position: Ahmad Ali, 4th Year MBBS (Peshawar Medical College)

These achievements reflect the dedication, innovation, and academic excellence of undergraduate researchers, further strengthening the culture of inquiry and collaboration championed by the UMR Conference.

August 30-31, 2025 – Women Medical College Conference:

Waleed Farooq (Final Year MBBS) – Second Position in Quiz Competition

September 18, 2025 – Jinnah Medical College

Abdal Ahmad (Final Year MBBS) – First Position in Verbal Competition for “Unravelling the Nexus: Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes, Tumour Stage and PD-L1 Expression in Colorectal Carcinoma”

Muhammad Danial (3rd Year MBBS) – Second Position in Verbal Competition and Third Position in Quiz Competition for “Sociocultural Practices and the Healthcare Seeking Behaviour of Mothers Regarding the Health of Their Newborn: A Qualitative Study”

Aizaz Anwar (2nd Year MBBS) – Second Position in Poster Competition for “Surgical vs. Non-surgical Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies”

September 19, 2025 – Rehman Medical College Conference:

Waleed Farooq (Final Year MBBS) – Second Position in Quiz Competition, September 20, 2025 – Bacha Khan Medical College

Waleed Farooq (Final Year MBBS) – First Position in Research Ideas Pitch Competition

These accomplishments showcase the consistent research excellence and competitive spirit of Peshawar Medical College students across various academic platforms, highlighting their strong foundation in both clinical research methodology and scientific communication skills