Heart, Mind, and Soul: Making Informed Choices in Personal and Professional Life

The Student Counseling Committee of University Medical and Dental College (UMDC) successfully organized a thought-provoking counseling session titled "Heart, Mind, and Soul: Making Informed Choices in Personal and Professional Life" on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The event was attended by final year, 4th year, and 3rd year MBBS students, as well as house officers from Madinah Teaching Hospital (MTH).

The session was graced by the presence of the esteemed Chief Guest, Prof Dr Zill E Huma, Vice Chancellor of Government College Women University Faisalabad, whose insights added immense value to the discussions. Ms Zahida Maqbool, Registrar, TUF, also graced the occasion. The event began with a welcome address by Principal Prof Dr Akram Malik, who introduced the session with a thoughtful exploration of the challenges medical professionals face when balancing personal and professional choices.

The panelists—Prof Dr Tanzeela Khalid, Prof Dr Aisha Sajid, Vice Principal Prof Dr Shirza Nadeem, Associate Prof Dr Sumera Riaz, and Assistant Prof Dr Nabeela Faisal—offered valuable perspectives on questions anonymously submitted by the students. The session addressed pivotal concerns such as the optimal timing for marriage for medical graduates, prioritizing between postgraduate studies and personal life, and the considerations surrounding choosing a partner within or outside the medical profession.

Assistant Prof Dr Nabeela Faisal provided a profound reflection on the Islamic teachings related to marriage, emphasizing its importance in both personal and professional spheres. The panelists engaged the students with comprehensive and meaningful answers, fostering a deep and open dialogue on these sensitive topics.

The session concluded with an inspiring address by Prof Dr Zill E Huma, who reminded the audience that a woman must uphold her dignity and honor in both personal and professional decisions. Ms Zahida Maqbool, along with Prof Dr Akram Malik and Prof Dr Shirza Nadeem, presented a shield of honor to the Chief Guest in recognition of her invaluable contribution to the session.

This counseling session proved to be a successful and enlightening experience for the students and medical graduates, providing them with much-needed guidance on navigating crucial life decisions.