Lahore, The University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD) at the University of Lahore (UOL) successfully conducted the 7th International Conference on Health Professions Education (ICHPE) on November 2, 2023. The conference was a convergence of healthcare professionals aimed at discussing the current and practical aspects of medical education.

According to University of Lahore, An important session of the conference, titled “Empowering Future Leaders,” featured distinguished UCMD alumni. These alumni, now serving in prestigious medical institutions across Pakistan, brought their insights into the empowerment of future medical leaders. The panel included Prof. Dr. Noreen Akmal, Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal, Prof. Dr. Saima Chaudhary, and Dr. Komal Atta.

Prof. Dr. Noreen Akmal, during her presentation on “Professionalism by Obstetrics and Gynecology Postgraduate Residents,” emphasized the importance of professionalism in medical practice. She discussed the attributes of a “seven-star doctor” and highlighted the challenges and necessary reforms in the cultivation of professionalism in medical education.

Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal focused on the principles of biomedical ethics, discussing the importance of ethics in healthcare. She stressed that ethical principles are fundamental and do not change over time, highlighting key concepts such as beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice in medical practice.

Prof. Dr. Saima Chaudhary presented on micro-credentialing in health profession education, explaining how these credentials serve as proof of learning outcomes and are vital in bridging the gap between academia and professional requirements.

Dr. Komal Atta’s session drew an interesting parallel between the TV show Game of Thrones and medical education, discussing the need for inclusive leadership and community building in the field.

The 7th ICHPE, organized by the UCMD in collaboration with the UOL, provided a platform for professionals to explore “The Value of Contextualisation in Health Professions Education” and fostered a collaborative environment for the exchange of ideas and strategies to improve medical education and leadership.