Dr Erum Khan, the Head of Oral Pathology Department in Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) has undertaken a PhD from the University of Birmingham in Oral Pathology. She has also qualified for a License in Dental Surgery (LDS) and Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) from The Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Dr Erum Khan introduces promising therapeutic strategies in stem cell biology
She explores her field in-depth, which led her to discover the primary cell (soft tissue) culture technique for the first time at LUMHS. In recent times, Stem cell research has gained a lot of attention; however, the understanding is quite limited in Pakistan. The initiative to introduce stem cell technology creates an opportunity for growth and development for tissue engineering in Pakistan. Dr Erum Khan is very optimistic about the clinical application of engineered tissue in clinical practices in Pakistan. She reported, "If tissue engineering is extensively developed in Pakistan, then thousands of people with cancer and skin burns can be saved on time with treatment outcomes. Even the technology can be extensively employed in dentistry associated with maxillofacial surgeries and implants."
Cell culture and Pakistan
Tissue engineering has been thoroughly explored in well-developed countries; however, the field remains yet to be explored in Pakistan. The field aims to restore the tissue functions using regenerative techniques, which can be applied easily in multiple conditions such as rehabilitation for various oral diseases, including congenital disabilities and acquired infections (such as cancer, periodontal disease, and trauma), frequent use of autografts during oral and maxillofacial surgery and implantology.
Interestingly, many clinicians are unaware of such advanced techniques beneficial functionally and economically. Dr Erum resentfully shared, "Multiple times request has been put forward across government, to support the hospitals and institutes to enable stem cell treatment that enhances treatment outcomes and reduces the outsource resources, especially those not suitable for the patient." Henceforth, the deprivation of tissue engineering facilities and collaboration between researchers and clinicians is stalling regenerative dentistry of oral (soft and hard) tissue developing momentum in Pakistan.
Her thoughts for women in dentistry
"A decade ago, women were penalized at different levels that interfered with their career selection and growth. However, with time, the situation has changed, and greater opportunities opened up for women, especially in dentistry, where they can easily balance their work- life. Moreover, working parents set a perfect example for young kids and benefit society," Dr Erum khan.
Dr Erum believes, "Women should opt for dentistry as it is a vast unexplored field. Like cell culturing, many other parts of dentistry are not developed in Pakistan, which requires extra attention." This field is perfect for women who want to maintain a balance between work and family and contribute extensively to the nation's development.