Dow University of Health Sciences confers degrees on 2,894 graduates at 15th convocation
KARACHI: The 15th Convocation of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) marked a proud and historic moment as 2,894 students from medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and allied health sciences programs were formally awarded their degrees, highlighting not only academic excellence but also the remarkable dominance of female graduates across top honors.
Held at the Ojha Campus Cricket Ground, the convocation brought together senior leadership, faculty members, parents, and graduates in a celebration of resilience, scholarship, and service to humanity.
Leadership message in the age of artificial intelligence
Addressing the graduates, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nazli Hossain emphasized that while competition has intensified in the era of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change, it is adaptability, perseverance, continuous learning, and ethical values that ultimately define success.
She reminded graduates that human life and moral responsibility remain the most valuable assets in healthcare, expressing strong confidence in the graduating class to uphold these principles throughout their professional journeys.
Eight decades of Dow’s academic legacy
Highlighting Dow’s institutional heritage, the Vice Chancellor noted that Dow Medical College has recently completed 80 years of academic excellence, standing among Pakistan’s oldest and most prestigious medical institutions.
From contributions to the world’s first xenotransplantation to the establishment of landmark institutions such as Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Dow alumni have played a transformative role in Pakistan’s medical history and global recognition.
Today, DUHS has evolved into a comprehensive academic system, with more than 20 constituent institutes offering undergraduate and postgraduate education, an achievement credited to visionary leadership, the Government of Sindh’s support, and the trust of students and parents.
A call to serve humanity and the nation
Prof. Dr. Nazli Hossain urged graduates never to forget the sacrifices of their parents, calling parental service a lifelong responsibility. She encouraged students pursuing education or training abroad to return with refined skills and contribute to Pakistan’s healthcare system.
She also emphasized that the clinical exposure at Civil Hospital Karachi and Dow Hospitals offers unmatched hands-on experience, stating that such training environments are rarely found elsewhere in the world. Calling the university a “mother figure,” she invited alumni to remain connected through the DUHS Alumni Portal.
Degrees conferred across medicine, dentistry, and allied health sciences
During the convocation, degrees were awarded in MBBS, BDS, Pharm-D, DPT, and a wide range of allied health sciences and postgraduate programs.
Among the graduates were:
- 330 from Dow Medical College
- 145 from Dow International Medical College
- 94 dental graduates from Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences
- 49 from Dow International Dental College
- 52 from Dow Dental College
- 149 from Dow College of Pharmacy
Graduates also represented biotechnology, radiology, optometry, nursing, medical technology, public health, and postgraduate research programs including PhD, MPhil, MD, MS, MDS, MPH, and specialized diplomas.
Female students dominate medals, top honors
One of the most striking highlights of the convocation was the exceptional academic performance of female students.
Out of 22 gold medals, 21 were secured by female graduates, with only one awarded to a male student—M. Hamza Siddiqui from the Dow Institute of Medical Technology.
Overall, among 67 gold, silver, and bronze medals, female students claimed the overwhelming majority, while all 13 Best Graduate Awards were won by women, underscoring their leadership and excellence across disciplines.
The prestigious Best Graduate Award, named after the late Prof. Muhammad Shafi Qureshi, was awarded to Tanveer Fatima from Dow Medical College.
A reaffirmation of Dow’s mission
The convocation concluded with an oath administered by Registrar Dr. Ashar Afaq, calling on MBBS graduates to serve humanity without discrimination of race, color, or creed.
With its 15th Convocation, Dow University of Health Sciences reaffirmed its commitment to producing competent, compassionate, and globally respected healthcare professionals, ready to serve Pakistan and the wider world with integrity.
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