LAHORE: Dr. Aqsa Arif has been awarded the Gold Medal in MPhil Pharmacology and named Best Postgraduate of the University of Lahore (UOL), marking a defining moment in her academic journey that blends achievement, perseverance, and gratitude.
For Dr. Aqsa, the recognition is not just an academic distinction but a deeply personal milestone shaped by years of hard work, mentorship, and unwavering support from those around her.
Sharing her emotions after receiving the honour, she described herself as “honored and grateful,” saying the achievement represents her academic performance, dedication, and persistence throughout postgraduate studies. She expressed heartfelt appreciation for her teachers, mentors, colleagues, friends, and family, crediting them for standing by her at every stage of her journey.
She reserved special gratitude for her supervisor, Dr. Khadija Mastoor, acknowledging her continuous guidance, mentorship, and support. She also thanked her co-supervisor, Dr. Naveed Mushtaq, and Dr. Umar Ashraf for their encouragement and academic direction. In a particularly personal reflection, Dr. Aqsa highlighted Dr. Muhammad Hassan’s role in shaping her growth, saying his belief in her potential significantly influenced both her personality and professional development.
“This achievement is not only a milestone for me but also a motivation to continue striving for excellence in research, academics, and healthcare,” she added.
Related story: Dr. Sana Ashraf bags gold medal, tops UCMD-UOL BDS exams
Her journey is especially remarkable given her growing list of international recognitions. Dr. Aqsa previously won the prestigious IADR Hatton Award 2025 at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Pakistan Section for her research on natural therapeutic approaches for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
Her work focused on plant-based and safer alternatives for managing a painful condition affecting cancer patients, contributing to the expanding field of integrative oral pharmacology.
She has also secured a scholarship for the University of Michigan’s Regenerative Dentistry postgraduate program, further expanding her global academic footprint.
Today, her story reflects more than awards—it reflects resilience, mentorship, and a rising generation of Pakistani researchers making their mark on the world stage.
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