DT News - Pakistan - Bolan Dental College leads shift toward integrated medical education in Balochistan

Bolan Dental College leads shift toward integrated medical education in Balochistan

Dental Tribune Pakistan

Mon. 23 June 2025

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QUETTA: As part of the ongoing weekly lecture series at Bolan Dental College, Associate Professor Dr. Fazal Dad Kakar—an experienced maxillofacial surgeon and medical educationist—delivered a compelling presentation on the transformation of medical education through the adoption of a modular curriculum system.

Dr. Kakar, who also holds an MCPS in Health Professions Education (HPE), traced the global evolution in teaching methodologies over the last five to six decades. He emphasized the shift from conventional "hard study" to "smart study," focusing on efficiency, relevance, and the development of practical and emotional intelligence in future healthcare professionals.

He noted that this international movement has reached Pakistan, with Balochistan actively participating in educational reform. The modular curriculum, now implemented across many medical colleges, breaks down complex topics into integrated, manageable modules that promote critical thinking, active learning, and long-term knowledge retention.

Key benefits of modular curriculum highlighted:

Improved student grooming: Students are becoming more confident, articulate, and practically skilled.
Soft skill emphasis: Training now includes communication, empathy, teamwork, and professionalism.
Adaptation to global standards: Balochistan’s medical education is aligning with international norms.

Dr. Kakar emphasized that these changes are not just academic improvements but essential steps toward producing doctors who are not only knowledgeable but also humane, ethical, and patient-centered.

The session was well-received by students, faculty, and practitioners, serving as a reminder that continuous innovation in teaching practices is crucial to keep pace with global healthcare challenges.