HONG KONG: In a field where innovation directly impacts survival, every idea shared on an international platform can reshape how diseases are treated worldwide.
At the 17th Asian Congress of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ACOMS 2026) held recently in Hong Kong, Pakistan made a notable academic appearance through a single but significant voice.
DUHS academic leads Pakistan’s representation
The Dow University of Health Sciences proudly highlighted the participation of Prof. Dr. Shahjahan Katpar, Professor & Head of the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, as the only delegate from Pakistan at the prestigious congress.
His presence underscored Pakistan’s growing contribution to global oral and maxillofacial surgical research.
A research presentation challenging conventional practice
Prof. Katpar presented an oral paper titled:
“Breaking Silos and Future Directions in Oral Malignancy Clinical Cancer, by promoting Frozen Section, an underutilized Technique to replace Incision Biopsy: A New Proposal from Pakistan.”
The presentation introduced a thought-provoking concept — advocating for the use of frozen section techniques as an alternative to traditional incision biopsy in oral cancer diagnosis.
This proposal reflects ongoing efforts to improve:
- Diagnostic accuracy
- Time efficiency in cancer detection
- Clinical decision-making in oral malignancy cases
Engaging with global surgical leaders
During the congress, Prof. Katpar interacted with leading international figures in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including:
- Prof. Mike Leung (President, ACOMS)
- Prof. Rui Fernandes (President, IAOMS, USA)
- Prof. Tetsu Takahashi (Executive Director, AAOMS, Japan)
Related story: KMU launches Pak-UK oral cancer research consortium
These exchanges highlighted the importance of cross-border academic collaboration in advancing surgical science.
Positioning Pakistan in global academic dialogue
Beyond his presentation, Prof. Katpar also expressed interest in initiating discussions with ACOMS leadership regarding the possibility of hosting a future Asian Congress of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Pakistan.
This initiative reflects a broader vision to:
- Strengthen Pakistan’s academic visibility
- Encourage international collaboration
- Promote regional leadership in surgical education
Related story: DUHS advances digital dental education through SDCP curriculum reforms
A step forward for oral cancer research
Oral cancer remains a significant health burden in many regions, and innovations in diagnostic techniques are critical for improving patient outcomes.
Academic contributions like this not only enhance global discourse but also position Pakistan as an active contributor in addressing complex clinical challenges.
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