Karachi: Female students swept academic honours at Dow University of Health Sciences’ 15th convocation, securing 21 of the 22 gold medals, while only one gold medal went to a male student, as the university awarded degrees to 2,894 graduates across medical, dental, nursing and allied health disciplines.
The 15th convocation of Dow University of Health Sciences was held at the Ojha Campus cricket ground, where graduates from MBBS, BDS, Pharm D, DPT and allied health sciences received their degrees in the presence of university leadership, faculty members, parents and guests.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nazli Hossain said competition had increased in the era of artificial intelligence, but resilience, continuous hard work and a passion for learning were what ultimately opened the door to better opportunities. She stressed that respect for human life and adherence to ethical values must remain the most valuable asset for medical professionals, adding that she had strong faith and positive expectations from the graduating students.
The vice chancellor said 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 and had earned global recognition in the field of medicine. Referring to achievements ranging from the world’s first xenotransplantation to the establishment of SIUT, she said Dow graduates had consistently brought pride to Pakistan.
She added that Dow University had evolved into a vast academic system with more than 20 constituent institutes offering undergraduate and postgraduate education. Prof Nazli Hossain attributed the university’s growth to institutional 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 of 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 practical training obtained at Civil Hospital Karachi and Dow Hospital was unmatched elsewhere. She described the university as a mother figure for its students and encouraged alumni to remain connected through the alumni portal.
The convocation was also addressed by Chairperson of the Convocation Committee Prof Saba Sohail. Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Jahan Ara Hassan, Controller of Examinations Mohsina Zaini, Principal Dow International Medical College Prof Uzma Bukhari, senior faculty members, students and a large number of parents attended the ceremony.
Registrar Dr Ashar Afaq administered the oath to MBBS graduates, calling on them to serve humanity without discrimination of colour, race or creed. In her opening remarks, Prof Saba Sohail said the convocation day was significant and expressed hope that graduates would uphold the name of Dow University of Health Sciences. 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, bringing the total number of medals awarded to 67.
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. 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.