PAMI has enhanced Its image through Leadership Training, Mentorship, and International Exposure–Prof. Mahwish Arooj
Good Medical Education Is Good Character Education
LAHORE: The integration of character into healthcare education has never been more urgent. As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly supports diagnosis, disease management, robotic surgeries, and even medical education, one crucial element is often overlooked: empathy. While technological advancements in healthcare continue to grow, the human touch remains irreplaceable.
Sumaira Rehman
Rector Superior University
Speaking at the inaugural session of the third International Conference organized by the Pakistan Association of Private Medical & Dental Institutions (PAMI), jointly hosted by Superior University in collaboration with the University of Lahore, Mrs. Sumaira Rehman, Rector of Superior University, emphasized the need for compassion and integrity in medicine. The session took place on April 12 at the University of Lahore campus.
She noted, “Every treatment comes at a cost. But healing must be guided by empathy, compassion, and integrity. Character is the soul of healthcare.” The theme of this year’s conference was “The Transformative Power of Character Education: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Professionals.” The event drew medical educationists, faculty from both public and private institutions, and international guest speakers.
Prof. Mahwish Arooj
The session was jointly chaired by Prof. M. Ashraf, Rector of the University of Lahore, and Mrs. Sumaira Rehman. Also present on stage were Prof. Mahwish Arooj (UOL), Prof. M. Akbar Chaudhry (Dean, Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University), and Prof. Mughees Baig (UCMD, UOL).
Mrs. Rehman emphasized that the medical profession holds a unique and powerful position in society. “How healthcare is delivered, and by whom, is critical. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics must all practice empathy. Hospital administrators should focus more on human values than just scientific outcomes,” she said. She further added that honesty and moral values must be cultivated among students and healthcare workers as part of their character development.
“At Superior University, we place strong emphasis on character building. Our mission is to foster a holistic approach to care. We continuously assess and improve our institution to ensure that we prioritize moral development,” she said. “We have created a dedicated committee to guide this framework, ensuring that our graduates not only become capable physicians but also responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.”
Group photograph taken during the inaugural session of Third International Conference of PAMI held at UOL shows invited national and international speakers along with leadership of University of Lahore and Superior University.
She concluded her address with a powerful message: “Good medical education is good character education.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, Prof. Mahwish Arooj, Principal of the University College of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Lahore, highlighted the timeliness of the conference. “We urgently need to integrate values with empowerment. These principles are also deeply rooted in our religion, Islam,” she said. She praised PAMI for its initiatives in organizing leadership training, mentorship, and providing international exposure, which have enhanced the organization’s image and impact.
Prof. Mahwish Arooj also shared details of the conference’s scientific program, noting that it featured 17 national and international speakers. “We also conducted numerous pre-conference workshops at both Superior University and the University of Lahore,” she added. “Four roundtable discussions focused on character building in medical education have already taken place. Recommendations from these sessions are currently being finalized and will be shared with the public soon.”
In his address, Prof. Mughees Baig spoke about the essential role of trust between patients and physicians. “When trust is compromised, the quality of care and professional integrity are at risk. There is a pressing need for a clear code of conduct, especially for Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry,” he noted.
The session concluded with the presentation of mementoes to the guest speakers by Mrs. Sumaira Rehman, Prof. Ashraf, Prof. Arooj, Prof. Chaudhry, and Prof. Baig.
