DIKIOHS launches mentoring program, guidebook for first-year BDS students

KARACHI: Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences (DIKIOHS) has formally launched a structured mentoring program for first-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students, alongside the introduction of a Mentoring Guidebook aimed at strengthening academic support, professional development, and student wellbeing within dental education.

The initiative was inaugurated during the institute’s first Mentee Training Session, organized as part of ongoing efforts to promote mentorship culture, communication skills, leadership development, and student-centered learning in healthcare education.

The session was hosted by Dr. Fasiha Moin Kazi, Senior Lecturer at DIKIOHS, while the recitation of the Holy Quran was performed by Zahid Mustafa, Admin Officer of the institute.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Lubna Memon, Assistant Professor and Core Mentor, spoke about the role of mentoring in academic and professional growth. She said structured mentorship can help students build confidence, improve communication, develop leadership qualities, and better manage the challenges associated with dental education and future clinical practice.

Dr. Sofia Malik, Associate Professor and Mentoring Lead at DIKIOHS, delivered a presentation outlining the framework, objectives, and mentor-mentee engagement structure of the program. During the session, she also formally launched the Mentoring Guidebook developed to support students throughout their academic journey and facilitate effective mentor-mentee interaction.

An additional session on “Core Mentoring Skills” was conducted by Dr. Nooreen Adnan, a member of the Core Mentoring Team, who discussed key mentoring principles including empathy, professionalism, active listening, and effective communication.

Farhan Vakani, Rector of Sindh Institute of Medical Sciences, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of mentoring in higher education and healthcare training. He said mentorship contributes not only to academic performance but also to personal growth, resilience, and long-term professional success.

Institutional leadership members appreciated the initiative and encouraged students to actively participate in mentoring activities. Dr. Ramla Naz, Vice-Principal of DIMC, described the program as an important step toward fostering a supportive educational environment.

Dr. Khurram Parvez, Vice-Principal of DIKIOHS, emphasized the need for strong guidance and support systems in educational institutions, while Prof. Anwar Ali, Principal of DIKIOHS, acknowledged the efforts of the organizing committee and encouraged students to make full use of the mentoring platform for academic and professional development.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sofia Malik, followed by an interactive meet-and-greet session between mentors and mentees aimed at promoting early engagement and collaboration within the newly established mentoring network.

Faculty members, students, and invited guests attended the event, reflecting the institute’s broader focus on strengthening mentorship, professional excellence, and student support systems in dental and healthcare education.