The Dow University of Health Sciences awarded degrees to 2,894 students at its 15th convocation held at the Ojha Campus cricket ground, where female students dominated academic honours by securing 21 of the 22 gold medals and all 13 best graduate awards.
Addressing the convocation, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nazli Hossain said that competition had naturally increased in the era of artificial intelligence, but resilience, continuous hard work and a passion for learning were what ultimately opened doors to better opportunities. She stressed that respect for human life and adherence to ethical values must remain the most precious assets for medical professionals, adding that she had strong faith and positive expectations from the graduating students.
The vice chancellor said the Dow Medical College had recently completed 80 years of its academic journey, calling it a testament to the institution’s long standing academic services and traditions. She said Dow was among the country’s oldest and most respected medical institutions, which had earned global recognition in the field of medicine. Referring to milestones ranging from the world’s first xenotransplantation to the establishment of the SIUT, she said Dow graduates had consistently brought pride to Pakistan.
She added that Dow University had now evolved into a vast academic system with more than 20 constituent institutes providing undergraduate and postgraduate education. Prof Nazli Hossain attributed this progress to the university’s leadership, the support of the Sindh government and the continued trust of students and parents.
Advising graduates, the vice chancellor urged them never to forget the sacrifices made by their parents and to consider serving them a lifelong duty. She said that students who pursued higher education abroad should return with refined skills to serve their country and nation. Highlighting clinical exposure, she said the hands on training obtained at the Civil Hospital Karachi and Dow Hospital was unmatched anywhere else in the world. She described the university as a mother figure for its students and encouraged alumni to stay connected through the alumni portal.
The convocation was also addressed by chairperson of the convocation committee, Prof Saba Sohail, while Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Jahan Ara Hassan, Controller of Examinations Mohsina Zaini, Principal Dow International Medical College Prof Uzma Bukhari, faculty members, students and a large number of parents were present.
Registrar Dr Ashar Afaq administered the oath to MBBS graduates, urging them to serve humanity without discrimination of colour, race or creed. In her opening remarks, Prof Saba Sohail said the convocation day was of great importance and expressed hope that graduates would uphold the name of Dow University of Health Sciences. She reminded students not to forget their loved ones and their country, saying they had the potential to bring positive change in the field of medicine. Convocation Committee Secretary Prof Ramla Naz also congratulated the graduates.
The Best Graduate Award, named after former Dow Medical College professor Muhammad Shafi Quraishi, was awarded to Dow Medical College student Tanveer Fatima. In addition, three best graduates each from Dow Medical College and 13 other institutes and colleges of the university were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, with a total of 67 medals distributed.
According to university figures, out of the 22 gold medals awarded, 21 were secured by female students, while only one gold medal went to a male student, M Hamza Siddiqui of the Dow Institute of Medical Technology. Overall, female students dominated the medal tally, securing 21 gold, 21 silver and 21 bronze medals, while male students received only one medal each. All 13 best graduate awards were also won by female students.
Of the 2,894 graduates, 330 were from Dow Medical College and 145 from Dow International Medical College. Dental graduates included 94 from Dr Ishrat ul Ebad Institute of Oral Health Sciences, 49 from Dow International Dental College and 52 from Dow Dental College. Other graduates included 149 from Dow College of Pharmacy, 46 BBA graduates, 26 from the School of Dental Care Professionals, 83 from Dow College of Biotechnology, 97 in BS Medical Technology, 29 in BS Optometry, 92 in BS Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 20 in BS Radiological Technology, 101 in BS Nursing and one in Post RN BS Nursing.
Postgraduate degrees awarded included three PhDs, 10 MPhil degrees, two MDs, one MS, five MS APT degrees, 14 MPH degrees, 13 MSBE degrees, nine MDS degrees, three MPhil Pharmacy degrees, 11 EMBA degrees, seven MBA degrees, 16 MHPE degrees, one MS Nursing degree, one Cardio Diploma, four DMRD diplomas and two Echo diplomas.
