Introduction of Faculty Councils
The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has introduced Discipline-Specific Faculty Councils (DSFCs) to provide a formal platform for teachers from its on-campus, constituent, and affiliated institutions. The councils are intended to promote teaching standards, enhance research productivity, and strengthen assessment activities across the medical education sector in Pakistan.
Role and Objectives of DSFCs
Under the new structure, each DSFC will focus on its respective discipline, organizing Continued Professional Development (CPD) activities, seminars, and workshops. The goal is to develop academic, promote research partnerships, and instigate high-quality learning to students. Trough establishment of a cross-discipline-specific portal, UHS hopes to enhance best practices and common standards across the various institutions that it will affiliate.
First Seminar: Updates in Physiology Research
The initiative was inaugurated with a seminar titled ‘Updates in Physiology Research,’ organized by the UHS Department of Physiology. UHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Nadia Naseem, and Head of Physiology Department Prof. Uzma Zargham opened the event. Approximately 50 faculty members from the affiliated medical colleges attended the seminar, which also featured speakers of high stature, including Dr. Sundus Tariq from the International School of Medicine in Istanbul and Prof. Mohsin Ali Cheema, Vice Principal of Narowal Medical College.
Faculty Participation and Structure
UHS included more than 5,000 faculty members representing over 100 medical, dental, nursing, and allied health schools in the councils. Each DSFC will have a chair, who will be the most senior professor in their specialty, and will meet once a month to review progress and future plans. This strategy involves representing all areas of the health sciences, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual learning.
Bridging Gaps and Future Plans
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, stated that the councils will streamline communication between UHS and its affiliates, thereby facilitating better alignment in the areas of teaching and assessment. He stated that 19 seminars in various fields have already been organized by the middle of September, and that additional academic activities are planned to be held until the end of the year. Through such activities, constant platforms of professional growth and innovation in the field of education will be available.
Conclusion
The inauguration of Discipline-Specific Faculty Councils is a stepping stone to improving the academic quality and research culture of UHS. Through their input, the initiative will consolidate the overall standards of medical and health sciences education in Pakistan, making the next generation of healthcare professionals ready to meet the challenges of the world.
