IMed Academic Conference: Raising Aspirations 2025

Asalamu Alaikum!

On Sunday, 2nd February, IMed hosted its annual academic conference, this year themed 'Raising Aspirations.' The day was filled with insightful talks, engaging workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities, leaving attendees inspired and motivated.

Ethics, Mindset, and Global Impact

We began the day with an enlightening talk by Dr. Mansur Ali, who delved into the crucial topic of medical ethics in Islam. His discussion provided a deep understanding of the moral responsibilities we hold as Muslim healthcare professionals.

Following this, Dr. Sajjad Suhail Khalil, founder of Medic Launch, delivered an eye-opening talk on shifting our mindsets. He emphasized moving beyond the pursuit of titles, salaries, and exam results, instead focusing on seeking barakah and acceptance in everything we do. His words resonated with many, serving as a reminder to reframe our intentions.

A highlight of the day was the impactful talk by Dr. Ahmed Kafafy, who shared his experiences working in Gaza. His stories provided a profound perspective on what it truly means to be a healthcare professional. He spoke of the resilience and unbreakable spirit of the people in Gaza, reminding us how privileged we are to acquire skills that can be life-changing. Alhamdulillah for the ability to pursue a career in this noble field.

Networking, Workshops and Giving Back

During lunch, attendees had the opportunity to connect with like-minded students from various universities and year groups. The poster presentations added an academic flair to the break, allowing students to showcase their work and engage in thought-provoking discussions.

Post-lunch, the conference transitioned into a series of interactive workshops. These included:

Portfolio Building with Dr. Maiar Elhairy

Finding Our Purpose with Dr. Salman Waqar (BIMA)

Hands-on Basic Surgical Skills with SurgSoc

The event also highlighted the importance of giving back. Our charity sponsor, Indus Health, spoke about their mission to provide free healthcare to the people of Pakistan.

Additionally, Dr. Aqil Jagirdar, founder of MAA Charity, shared his inspiring journey. His unforgettable experience as a second-year medical student led to the creation of a charity organization that provides maternal healthcare and educational seminars.

We were also privileged to hear from Dr. Qasim Javed, who emphasized our duty as Muslims to strive for excellence (ihsaan) in all that we do and to give back to our communities.

Closing Panel and Reflections

To conclude, a Q&A session was held with Dr. Maiar Elhairy, Dr. Aqil Jagirdar, and Dr. Qasim Javed, where attendees had the chance to gain further insights from these inspiring professionals.

The conference was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many attendees expressing their eagerness to return next year. Beyond being an academic event, it served as an imaan booster and a powerful networking opportunity.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the IMed team. Their months of planning and seamless coordination on the day led to a successful and enriching event.

Jazakum Allahu Khayran to everyone who attended and contributed to making this conference a success. We look forward to welcoming you again next year, In’shaa’Allah!