KARACHI, Nov 22: Dow Medical College is organizing its annual symposium from Feb 13 to 15, the members of its organizing committee told journalists on Saturday. The theme of the event will be ‘Ethical Research for Development’.

Last date for the submission of abstracts and synopses is Dec 31, they said. Scientific programme will be preceded by various pre-symposium workshops covering issues in paediatrics, gynaecology, obstetrics and surgery. Issues of particular importance are: Echocardiography, upper GI endoscopy, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and Cleft lip and palate.

The members of the organizing committee said like any field, research played a pivotal role in medical profession. It was, therefore, important for every professional to keep abreast of the latest developments.

They said the symposium, supposed to be held every year, was being held after a gap of four years. In response to a question, the principal of the college said its faculty and administration could be held responsible for the gap.

Answering another question, he said his college was soon going to acquire the status of a university. “This has been decided upon in principle. However, we are still awaiting a notification in this,” he said.

The organizing committee members said in the symposium a session would be devoted to be research activities undertaken by the students of Dow Medical College. This was being done to encourage the students as well as to project a positive image of the institution.

Prizes would be given to students coming up with original research, they said. Expatriate Pakistanis would be taking part in the event, they added.

“Up to eight Pakistani expatriates are coming to the country to participate in the event. They will be paying for their travel and lodging etc from their own pockets.”

They said an invitation had already been sent to the potential guests in the symposium. Invitations had also been sent to various bodies created under the umbrella of Saarc.

The professors who spoke at the press conference were Prof Tipu Sultan, Prof D.S. Akram and Prof Younus Soomro.