The 16th Convocation as well as celebration of 20 years.of Fatima Jinnah Dental College, was held on 22nd March at a local hotel. Prof Dr Muhammad Qaiser, Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi conferred the B.D.S. Degrees on the 74 graduates of FJDC. Prof Dr S. M. Abbas Hussain, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Karachi administered the Hippocratic Oath. A total of 114 distinction certificateswere awarded to students while medals for 16 Role of Honors (highest marks in the subject in the university examination) were given out. 12 Shields were granted to the students for the College Position. Dr Muhammad Qaiser praised efforts undertaken by private sector for promotion of professional instruction; he highlighted the important contributions of Dr S. BaqarAskary, CEO, FJDC towards dental education for the nation. He appreciated the efforts undertaken by both FJDC and the graduates in their pursuit of professional knowledge. Next, Dr S. Baqar introduced the Chief Guest of the Convocation, Abdul Haseeb Khan (S.I.), Senator, Government of Pakistan Member, Syndicate, University of Karachi, President, Brooks Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan. The Chief Guest gave a very inspirational speech, wherein he expressed dissatisfaction with the current status of budget allocation to education and health. Lauding the parents of the graduates as well as the graduates themselves, he further added that Pakistan’s future could not be an illiterate and unhealthy populace. Addressing those present at the convocation, the Senator announced a cash prize of Rupees one hundred thousand for DrAmmarHussainthe Best Graduate. DrAmmar also bagged 13 Distinctions, 8 Gold Medals and the Best Graduate Award. Prof DrTasleemHosein, Principal, FJDC, presented the Annual Report. She said that Fatima Jinnah Dental College is a premier private dental college. It was established in 1992 and has 21 years standing as of today!! The institute has steadily evolved since then and has been able to keep up the meritorious progress. To-date, 1045 studentsof this college have graduated and acquired the BDS degree from the internationally acclaimed University of Karachi. They have attained positions and gold medals and not to forget, a record number of distinctions in various subjects at professional examinations of the University.The high academic learning at FJDC is attributed to the highly professional and motivated faculty. This has enabled us to devise newer programmes based on modules and problem-based learning. As of the current year we have started horizontal integration of subjects taught in first year, and are looking ahead to start with vertical integration soon. The dental hospital of Fatima Jinnah Dental College maintains a high standard of clinical teaching and training for which it is known in professional circles, both at national and international levels. It plays an important role in providing dental health care to the less fortunate and deprived members of the society, at very affordable costs. Dr Hosein also reported that Post-graduation has been encouraged by the College in its Faculty Development Program from its very inception. Many junior faculty members and graduates have attained memberships and fellowships from the Royal Colleges of U.K. and College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan; MPhil and PhD from reputed organizationslike J.P.M.C., University of Karachi and Punjab University etc. Over the years our faculty members have reached positions of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors. Our post-graduates have fortified faculty positions of this college and also of many other prestigious dental colleges of the city, she concluded. Dr. S HussainAskary, Head, Department of Dental Public Health, Director, (Administration & Academics, FJDC presented the vote of thanks. Also, FJDC having completed 20 great years of wonderful achievement a ceremony was arranged at the poolside where a cake cutting ceremony took place followed by dinner.
