PAP, PSOMP showcase AI, digital diagnostics and clinical excellence in Lahore conference
LAHORE: The 46th International Conference of the Pakistan Association of Pathologists (PAP), organized in partnership with the Pakistan Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology (PSOMP), concluded successfully in Lahore, bringing together experts, policymakers, clinicians, and students to discuss the future of AI in pathology, digital diagnostics, and personalized patient care. The three-day event served as a significant platform for collaboration between Pakistan’s diagnostic, academic, and clinical communities, reinforcing innovation and academic leadership.
Driving innovation and collaboration in pathology
The conference began with pre-conference workshops and a joint inaugural session presided over by President CPSP Prof. Khalid Masood Gondal, hosted by Prof. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari (President, PAP), and moderated by Prof. Zainab Rizvi. International experts Prof. W.M. Tilakaratne and Prof. Asif Ali delivered insightful presentations, enhancing global academic exchange.
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Dr. Saleha Saeed wins top honor at 46th PAP Conference 2025
The central theme, “Innovations in Pathology: Bridging Science, Technology, and Patient Care in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, underlined the rapid evolution of pathology through AI, digital tools, and precision medicine. The event also highlighted evidence-based clinical discussions and academic excellence.
Academic competitions celebrate student excellence
Despite prevailing law and order challenges, the event saw enthusiastic participation from oral and maxillofacial pathologists nationwide. The scientific program included 44 undergraduate poster presentations and 10 oral presentations by postgraduate trainees, recognizing emerging research talent.
Institutional awards:
- Best Institutes: Faryal Dental College and de’Montmorency College of Dentistry
Oral presentation winners:
- First Prize: Dr. Saleha Saeed (Dental College Hi-Tech, Taxila) — study on salivary MMP-8 levels in periodontitis patients with and without type 2 diabetes
- Second Prize: Arooj binte Qadeer (University College of Dentistry, University of Lahore) — research on fractal dimension analysis for osteoporosis detection
- Third Prize: Abdul Rafay (Lahore Medical and Dental College) — study on dentists’ knowledge and attitudes regarding AI
Concept-based poster awards:
- First & Second: Faryal Dental College (topics: oral spectrum of Sjögren’s syndrome, cherubism)
- Third: CMH Institute of Dentistry (recognition of adenoid ameloblastoma)
- Special Awards: Akhtar Saeed Dental College (forensic oral pathology); Rashid Latif Dental College (forensic identification using teeth)
Research-based poster awards:
- First & Second: de’Montmorency College of Dentistry (oral potentially premalignant diseases awareness, calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor case report)
- Third: FMH College of Dentistry (relationship between periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma)
Experts call for FCPS curriculum reform
A pivotal panel discussion explored the development of the FCPS program in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology under the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP). Esteemed panelists included Prof. Shahid Pervaiz, Prof. Akhter Sohail Chughtai, Brig. Sajid Mushtaq, Prof. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari, Prof. Abid Asher, Prof. Aqib Sohail, and Prof. Saima Chaudhary. The session, hosted by Prof. Nauman Rauf Khan and moderated by Dr. Asifa Iqbal, emphasized the urgent need for a competency-based FCPS curriculum aligned with international standards to enhance clinical training and recognition of oral pathologists in multidisciplinary healthcare.
Honoring lifetime achievers, advancing the profession
The conference also featured a Lifetime Achievement ceremony honoring Prof. Ayyaz Ali Khan, Prof. Col. Asifa Malik, Prof. Arshad Malik, and Dr. Parveen Razzaq for their invaluable contributions to oral and maxillofacial pathology. As PSOMP’s second annual conference, the event reaffirmed the society’s leadership role in professional development, research collaboration, and international engagement.
With continued partnership among PAP, PSOMP, CPSP, and leading academic institutions, the conference set a clear direction for advancing diagnostic standards, promoting evidence-based education, and enhancing the international visibility of Pakistani pathologists.
Towards a digitally enabled future in pathology
Key takeaways from the event include:
- Strengthening AI integration in diagnostics and digital pathology workflows.
- Implementing competency-based FCPS training for global relevance.
- Encouraging student research mentorship to convert projects into publishable work.
- Promoting public awareness of oral potentially premalignant disorders.
Conclusion
The PAP and PSOMP conference in Lahore successfully bridged academia, technology, and clinical practice, showcasing Pakistan’s growing leadership in AI-driven pathology and digital diagnostics. With collaborative research, education reform, and recognition of academic excellence, the event marked a defining step toward a smarter, patient-centered healthcare future.
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