On October 21st, 2023, the ZCRS, ZU Sukkur campus celebrated World Physical Therapy Day with great enthusiasm and informative sessions. The event featured distinguished guest speakers, with Dr. Haresh Kumar Makhija taking the stage to deliver an enlightening lecture titled “From Tension to Tranquility: A Guide to Stress Management.” Dr. Makhija expertly highlighted the contemporary issues contributing to stress among the new generation and provided valuable insights into effective stress management and coping strategies. Staying true to the theme of World Physical Therapy Day, Dr. Mir Arif Hussain Talpur also graced the audience with his expertise, offering an insightful lecture on the prevention and management of arthritis. The session concluded on a high note, with Vice Principal, ZCRS, ZU Sukkur campus Dr. Muhammad Usman Khan expressing heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated students whose hard work had made the event a resounding success. Dr. Khan also expressed his deep gratitude towards both speakers, Dr. Haresh Kumar Makhija and Dr. Mir Arif Hussain Talpur, for generously dedicating their valuable time and expertise to enrich the event. Their contributions were instrumental in making the World Physical Therapy Day celebration a truly enlightening and memorable experience for everyone present. A group photograph captured the memorable occasion, and students indulged in delightful food festival and cake-cutting ceremony to mark the day’s celebrations. It was a day filled with knowledge sharing, camaraderie, and enjoyment for all who attended. Admissions for the fourth batch of the five-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Ziauddin College of Rehabilitation Sciences are now open. This institute is known for providing quality education.

Ziauddin University is all set to spread its wings and introducing Bachelors of Nursing and Doctor of Pharmacy very soon at Ziauddin University -Sukkur campus. And to achieve the vision of the Honorable Chancellor, Respected Registrar Rt. Capt. Syed Waqar Hussain, Director QEC, Deputy Director QEC, Dean Pharmacy, Dean Nursing and other senior faculty members visited the site from 11-13 December 2023 and had a very detailed meeting with the Sr. Project Manager Dr. Muhammad Usman Khan. Respected Registrar Sahab also met the students and planted a tree following the vision of Green Pakistan.

On November 11th, 2023, the patient & public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group at the Clinical Trials Unit at Ziauddin University met at the Center of Biomedical Ethics and Culture (CBEC) at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT). The meeting was the first of two workshops on informed consent processes. With the addition of our newest member, the group is very excited to bring their voice to the consent processes at Ziauddin University.

On World Diabetes Day, the Department of Medicine & Allied and the Departments of Research & Molecular Medicine organized a conference at Ziauddin University auditorium. The event aimed to raise awareness and educate about diabetes management and living with the disease. Multidisciplinary diabetes experts, including doctors, nurses, dieticians, and research scientists, discussed various aspects of diabetes management. Prof. Dr. Talat Mirza, executive director of research and head of the Department of Molecular Medicine, highlighted the alarming rate of diabetes patients in Pakistan, with the majority affected between the ages of 35-64. She also introduced new drug targets and drugs, highlighting the potential of OMIC technology and precision medicine.

Professor Dr. Masood Hameed Khan highlighted insulin resistance as a primary cause of diabetes development, emphasizing continuous blood glucose monitoring, lifestyle modifications, increased physical activity, and the consumption of an organic balanced diet. Prof. Dr. Uzma Ghori highlighted a holistic person-centered approach for Type 2 diabetes, emphasizing timely screening and new diagnostic criteria. Dr. Fatima Jhangir discussed treatment options, focusing on patient-based approaches and the importance of dietary choices. Dr. Abdul Hameed highlighted the need for new anti-diabetic drugs and the importance of weight loss for diabetes remission. Dr. Fasiha Sohail discussed ethical approaches for prescribing antidiabetic drugs, including conflict of interest and patient preferences.

Unlocking Molecular Biology Techniques: From DNA Extraction to PCR

The Department of Molecular Medicine and Department of Research conducted a hands-on workshop, “Unlocking Molecular Biology Techniques: From DNA Extraction to PCR”, on 15th and 16th Nov, 2023. The workshop aimed to provide participants with hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of molecular biology techniques essential for advancing research in the field.

The Chief Organizer, Dr. Yamna Khurshid, extended a warm welcome to the participants and shed light on the profound significance of the workshop. Prof. Dr. Talat Mirza, Executive Director Research and HOD Molecular Medicine, provided a comprehensive overview of fundamental concepts and the latest advancements in the field.

Dr. Yamna Khurshid delivered a lecture on DNA extraction methods and gel electrophoresis followed by hands-on session facilitated by Mr. Moazzam Shahid. Dr. Shumaila Usman then talked about RNA isolation and provided a training session also.

On day second, Dr. Shumaila Usman delivered a lecture and lab session on cDNA synthesis. Dr. Yamna Khurshid conducted a thought-provoking session on PCR and primer designing. In the closing ceremony participants shared that they gained valuable knowledge during the workshop. Prof. Dr. Abbas Zafar, Dean FHS appreciated the efforts of facilitators and distributed certificates among the participants.