By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Gomal University has hosted a one-day continuing medical education (CME) conference and Surgical Technology Expo 2025, bringing together academics, clinicians and students to discuss professional development and innovation in healthcare.
The event, organized by the university’s Faculty of Allied Health Sciences through its Department of Surgical Technology, was held at the Dr A Q Khan Auditorium and attracted a large number of students alongside faculty members and invited speakers from the field. The vice-chancellor of Gomal University, Professor Dr Zafar Iqbal, attended as chief guest, along with the dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, heads of departments and other guests.
In her keynote address, Professor Dr Samira Zeb underlined the importance of clinical excellence, research and continuous professional development in health professions, describing CME as essential for maintaining standards and adapting to changing medical practices. Guest speaker Usman Wajid spoke about the growing importance of research and professional skills, noting that surgical technology was playing an increasingly central role in meeting modern healthcare needs.
Dr Hussain Ali Dar focused on quality assurance in clinical practice, patient safety and emerging technological trends, highlighting the need for practitioners to remain updated in a rapidly evolving field. Students took an active role in the conference, presenting research posters, surgical models and innovative projects. Their work drew praise from participants and guest speakers, who described the presentations as encouraging and reflective of strong academic engagement.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Zafar Iqbal said students were the future of the healthcare system and stressed that research-oriented academic activities helped build confidence, professional competence and positive thinking. He also acknowledged the contribution of external speakers, saying their participation had added value and credibility to the conference.
The vice-chancellor praised Malik Muhammad Ajmal, head of the Department of Surgical Technology, the dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, and the teaching and administrative staff for organizing the event, describing it as a collective effort marked by commitment and hard work. The conference concluded with the distribution of shields to guest speakers and administrators, while participating students were awarded certificates.
