Prof. Dr. Afeef Umar Zia Represents MIHS at International Medical Research Symposium in Bangladesh

ISLAMABAD: Prof. Dr. Afeef Umar Zia, Head of the Department of Orthodontics at Margalla Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS), represented Pakistan at the Institutional Symposium on Medical Research held in Chattogram, Bangladesh, from December 17 to 19, 2025. His participation reinforced Pakistan’s growing academic footprint in international dental and medical education forums.

The symposium, under the theme "Research and Medical Education: Inspiring Innovation, Ensuring Accreditation," brought together prominent academicians, researchers, and institutional leaders from across the region to discuss the future of medical education, research quality, and international collaborations.

During the event, Prof. Dr. Zia delivered two expert lectures on key topics in orthodontics and interdisciplinary care. His presentations focused on multi-disciplinary management of facial deformities and the expanding role of orthodontics in general dental practice. He highlighted the importance of evidence-based treatment planning, collaborative clinical approaches, and the evolving scope of orthodontics in comprehensive patient care.

A major highlight of Prof. Dr. Zia’s visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MIHS, FJIDC, and IMDC, formalizing a collaboration between Pakistan and Bangladesh’s academic institutions. The agreement paves the way for student and faculty exchange programs, capacity-building initiatives, and joint research projects, reflecting a commitment to regional academic excellence and research-driven healthcare education.

On the second and third days of the symposium, Prof. Dr. Zia also delivered a keynote address on the importance of international collaborations in benchmarking dental and medical institutions. He emphasized the need for structured research ecosystems, international partnerships, and accreditation-aligned academic standards to enhance institutional credibility and global rankings.

In addition to his academic contributions, Prof. Dr. Zia chaired a session on future-generation research, engaging young researchers and postgraduate scholars, and served as a judge for the poster competition, evaluating innovative research ideas from emerging scientists.

Through his engagement, Prof. Dr. Zia stressed that sustainable progress in dental and medical education relies heavily on cross-border knowledge sharing, research integrity, and globally aligned training standards. His representation of MIHS at the symposium further cemented the institute’s vision to actively engage in international academic networks and contribute to the global discourse in healthcare education.

MIHS’s participation in this prestigious symposium enhances Pakistan’s presence on regional academic platforms and showcases its ongoing commitment to excellence in research, education, and international collaboration.