INTERNATIONAL 12th UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE

The 12th Annual UMR Conference was successfully conducted on March 13th and 14th, 2019, under the guidance of Director Dr. Khadija N. Abdullah and UMR Society President Mr. Muhammad Nabeel Hayat. Embracing the theme “The Quest for the Truth,” this student-led initiative was designed to foster research engagement, critical thinking, and leadership capabilities among medical undergraduates. 

The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, VC Riphah International University and Prof. Dr. Najib Ul Haq, Dean Peshawar Medical College. In the plenary session, Prof. Anis Ahmad shared valuable insights into the challenges and hardships faced by researchers to conduct research. On the 2nd day, Prof. Dr. Najib Ul Haq conducted a plenary session on “Translation of research into Action”, discussing the importance of research and steps needed for its application in the real world. On the same day, the closing ceremony was graced by the chief guest, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asif Khan. VC University of Peshawar.  

The conference included poster, verbal and research quiz competitions, as well as workshop and research skill stations. Featuring 107 research projects, the conference abstract book showcased a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry spanning basic and clinical sciences, public health, social sciences, and medical education. Student investigations addressed relevant healthcare challenges, including self-medication practices among medical students, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, physical and mental health issues in beta-thalassemia patients, and emerging drug resistance in common infections and specific pathogens such as E. coli and Klebsiella. Through its commitment to student-driven scholarship, the conference continued to advance its mission of cultivating inquisitive and ethically grounded future healthcare leaders. (Annex-1, 12th UMR Bulletin 2019)