MARDAN: The first two-day national medical research conference (undergraduate) concluded at Medical Teaching Institution Bacha Khan Medical College (BKMC), Mardan, here on Sunday, marking a significant step forward in promoting medical research in the region. The event held in BKMC’s auditorium brought together a diverse range of medical professionals, researchers and students, with a special focus on enhancing the quality and scope of medical research in Mardan. Students Research Society of BKMC organised the event. Speaking on the occasion, internationally acclaimed researcher Prof Syed Farooq, who was the chief guest, emphasised the significance of cultivating research expertise in medical institutions across Pakistan. He commended the growing research capabilities of young doctors in Mardan and Abbottabad, particularly those affiliated with BKMC and Ayub Teaching Hospital. He highlighted the need for quality mentorship, continuous learning, and the habit of questioning established norms as critical components of good research. National medical research conference concludes at BKMC Mardan Dr Farooq urged participants to read high-quality research articles, explore global literature, engage in intellectual discussions and travel as they broadened perspectives. He expressed optimism that the conference would serve as a catalyst for furthering high-quality research in the region. Prof Arshad Javaid, Chairman of the Board of Governors, MTI Mardan, d and chief executive officer of BKMC/MMC Prof Amjad Ali, acting district health officer and medical superintendent District Headquarters Hospital, Mardan, Dr Javaid Iqbal, faculty members, postgraduate students, undergraduates, and delegates from various medical colleges, including Gajju Khan Medical College, Swabi, and Rehman Medical College, Peshawar, were also in attendance. Earlier, in his opening remarks, Prof Arshad Javaid emphasised the importance of research in medical field. He said the event marked a significant milestone for MTI Mardan, and it reflected the passion and commitment the management held towards medical education, research and innovation. He said research was the cornerstone of progress in medicine, adding through this inquiry and investigation the researchers challenged existing knowledge, sought better solutions, and contributed to the well-being of humanity. He said in today’s fast-evolving world, the field of medicine was advancing at an unprecedented pace, adding the health workers stood on the brink of revolutions in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, precision medicine, and personalised healthcare. He said he was excited to see sessions on AI in the conference as AI had already begun transforming the way doctors diagnosed, treated and managed patients. He hoped that the conference would serve as a launch pad for many brilliant minds, both here at BKMC and beyond, to contribute meaningfully to the world of medical discovery. A major highlight of the conference was a comprehensive presentation by Assistant Prof Mubashir Ahmad from Comsats University, Abbottabad campus, focusing on the potential and challenges of AI in healthcare. He delved into the role AI plays in diagnostics, drug discovery, medical imaging (such as MRI and CT scans), and treatment protocols. The conference also provided a platform for students from BKMC, Gajju Khan Medical College, and Rehman Medical College to present their research work.