The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has announced stricter PhD eligibility criteria for doctoral scholars. Under the new policy, every PhD student must participate in at least three national conferences or seminars and one international conference or seminar before receiving a doctoral degree.
The decision was approved during the 227th meeting of the Advanced Studies and Research Board (ASRB). Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore chaired the meeting.
The revised requirements aim to strengthen research quality and improve postgraduate education standards at the university.
Conference Participation Now Mandatory for PhD Degree
Under the newly approved policy, conference participation has become a compulsory requirement for all PhD scholars.
Students must attend at least three national conferences or seminars. In addition, they must participate in one international conference or seminar before becoming eligible for their doctoral degree.
The university introduced this requirement to encourage greater academic engagement. Moreover, it aims to improve research exposure and scholarly collaboration.
UHS Approves Four New Competency-Based PhD Programs
Alongside the revised eligibility criteria, the board approved four new competency-based PhD programs.
The newly approved doctoral programs include:
- Medical Education
- Nursing
- Oral Biology
- Public Health
These programs are designed to strengthen postgraduate training through competency-based education and practical learning.
Revised MHPE Curriculum Also Approved
The board also approved a revised curriculum for the Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE). Furthermore, it endorsed the Certificate in Comprehensive Family Medicine Practice and Emergency Care (CCFP-EC) program.
These changes reflect the university’s continued focus on improving healthcare education and professional training.
PhD Nursing Program Focuses on Clinical Leadership
The newly approved PhD Nursing program has been developed under the NURTURE Framework. The curriculum emphasizes clinical leadership, research, teaching, healthcare policy, and professional ethics.
Additionally, students must complete 500 hours of clinical residency and 200 hours of teaching residency.
The program also includes competency-based training. Moreover, it requires compulsory life-saving skills workshops.
Public Health PhD Covers Emerging Healthcare Challenges
The new PhD in Public Health focuses on several important areas of modern healthcare.
Its curriculum includes disease prevention, health promotion, and health systems strengthening.
Students will also study implementation science and community-based research. In addition, the program incorporates the use of artificial intelligence in public health.
The curriculum aims to prepare researchers for current and future public health challenges.
Oral Biology Curriculum Expands Advanced Research Training
The PhD Oral Biology program introduces advanced scientific subjects to strengthen research capacity in dental sciences.
The curriculum includes craniofacial developmental biology and regenerative dentistry. It also covers stem cell research, biomaterials, dental forensic sciences, oral microbiology, and oral immunology. These subjects are intended to enhance advanced research and innovation in oral health sciences.
Six-Month Family Medicine Certificate Program Approved
The university also approved the six-month Certificate in Comprehensive Family Medicine Practice and Emergency Care (CCFP-EC) program.
The program seeks to strengthen the clinical skills of general practitioners.It combines blended learning with supervised clinical attachments and emergency care training. Moreover, participants must complete mandatory life-saving skills workshops.
The curriculum aligns with World Health Organization recommendations for primary healthcare and supports practical medical training.
