INTERNATIONAL 14th UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE

The 14th Annual Undergraduate Medical Research (UMR) Conference was successfully held online on April 7, 2021, under the leadership of Director Dr. Khadija N. Abdullah and UMR Society President Ms. Sumayyah Saqib Qureshi. Adapting to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, this virtual edition featured 61 research projects presented by undergraduate students from medical and allied health institutions across Pakistan. 

The conference was inaugurated with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Professor Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Swati, maintaining tradition while prioritizing safety. Organized collaboratively by students of Peshawar Medical College, Peshawar Dental College, and Rufaida Nursing College, the event demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation in sustaining research activities during global challenges. 

The program was thoughtfully designed to address both the personal and professional needs of students during the lockdown. A creative videography competition, titled “The Bright Side of Quarantine,” provided a constructive artistic outlet, while a dedicated workshop on the “Management of Anxiety and Isolation during Quarantine” offered crucial psychological support. Further guiding future careers, a plenary session on “Career Planning in Public Health in the UK” provided valuable insights for students aspiring to work in global health. 

Research presentations addressed pressing contemporary issues, with thematic focuses on COVID-19, ophthalmology, pharmacology, infectious diseases, online learning effectiveness, and curriculum engagement during the crisis. Additional studies explored emotional intelligence, internet addiction patterns, and student stress levels, reflecting the conference’s continued commitment to addressing both clinical and public health priorities through evidence-based student research. (Annex-3,14th UMR Bulletin 2021)