UHS summer school begins with students from 51 institutions

The third edition of the University of Health Sciences' (UHS) annual summer school, Medi-SUM 2026, began on Monday with an orientation and inauguration ceremony at the university's city campus, bringing together around 100 students from 51 medical and allied health institutions across Pakistan.

The ceremony was presided over by UHS Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nadia Naseem and attended by heads of academic departments, senior faculty members, and programme coordinators.

Welcoming the participants, Prof Dr Nadia Naseem said the multidisciplinary summer school was conceived by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore to equip future healthcare professionals with practical skills, research expertise, and leadership qualities alongside academic excellence.

She said the growing popularity of Medi-SUM, now in its third consecutive year, reflects UHS's commitment to innovation in medical education and providing students with high-quality learning opportunities.

Introducing the participants to the university, she highlighted UHS's role as a leading institution in medical and health sciences education and encouraged students to make the most of the programme by engaging with experienced faculty members.

Director Undergraduate Studies Prof Dr Uzma Zargham presented an overview of the 12-day programme, which will continue until July 10 at the city campus and Jinnah Campus, Kala Shah Kaku.

She said Medi-SUM 2026 has been designed to provide immersive, hands-on training in clinical practice, laboratory sciences, research, teamwork, communication and leadership.

This year's summer school offers elective courses in Family Medicine, Physical Therapy, Research and Development, Medical Journalism, ORIC, Professional Skills Development, Nursing, Forensic Medicine, Microbiology, Anatomy, Histopathology, Dental Sciences, Haematology, Pharmacology, Public Health, Biochemistry, Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, IAHS Molecular Biology, Nutrition, and English communication skills.

Controller of Examinations Dr. Muhammad Abbas also briefed students on the university's transparent examination and assessment system, stressing the importance of fairness, merit, and academic integrity.

Medi-SUM 2026 will continue until July 10, offering practical training, workshops, simulations, research activities and mentorship across both UHS campuses to help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.