PESHAWAR: Khyber Medical College (KMC) concluded its week-long “RCT Week” with a research symposium on Randomized Controlled Trials, bringing together clinicians, academics, researchers and students to strengthen understanding of high-quality clinical research and evidence-based medical practice.
The one-day symposium, held on October 7, focused on the design, conduct, reporting and publication of randomized controlled trials, which are widely regarded as a key method for evaluating medical treatments and clinical interventions.
Dean Khyber Medical College Prof. Dr. Mahmud Aurangzeb attended as chief guest and stressed the need to build a stronger research culture within medical institutions.
He said greater emphasis on quality clinical research, innovation and evidence-based practice could help improve both academic standards and patient care.
Experts Discuss RCT Design and Research Integrity
The symposium featured four academic sessions covering different stages of randomized controlled trials.
Prof. Dr. Liaqat Ali discussed the basic concepts of RCTs, including study design and internationally accepted research standards.
Prof. Dr. Akhtar Sherin focused on research quality and integrity, outlining the importance of maintaining rigorous standards from protocol development through to publication.
Prof. Dr. Naila Aram Hadi highlighted the role of CONSORT guidelines in improving transparency and ensuring consistent reporting of randomized controlled trial findings.
Dr. Masood Javed presented an editorial perspective on RCT publications, discussing common research errors, publication standards and ethical considerations for researchers seeking to publish clinical studies.
Clinical Examination Guide Launched
The event also featured the launch of “Practical Clinical Examination: Pocket Companion,” authored by KMC/KTH Associate Dean Research Prof. Dr. Iqbal Haider.
Organizers said RCT Week was designed to improve research capacity among students, faculty members and researchers while encouraging stronger standards in clinical research and scientific reporting.
The initiative was organized by Prof. Dr. Iqbal Haider, Vice Dean KMC Prof. Dr. Mohsin Shafi, Assistant Associate Dean Research Dr. Suleman Elahi Malik and Chairman Student Research Committee Dr. Jehan Hassan.
The week-long programme also sought to promote research integrity and greater use of evidence-based approaches in medical education and clinical practice.