Department of Biochemistry

Introduction

Biochemistry is the mainstay of modern medicine and advances in biochemistry have revolutionized our understanding of life. Biochemistry department at CMH Lahore Medical College & Institute of Dentistry excels in imparting clinically relevant knowledge of biochemistry to future medical doctors and allied health specialists.  A highly qualified, well trained and proficient team of senior and junior faculty members is geared to take up the challenging academic assignments and student participation is actively encouraged to enhance productivity. The department is currently imparting undergraduate education in MBBS, BDS, Nursing, MIT and DPT programs. The department is also approved by CPSP for postgraduate FCPS training in Biochemistry. The department is fully equipped with teaching aids and laboratory facilities, and follows an efficient teaching methodology which includes interactive formal lectures, tutorials, flipped classroom, small group discussions and practical classes. Hand-on training in diagnostic biochemistry (renal function tests, liver function tests, cardiac profile, blood glucose, bone markers and urinalysis) is also provided to students. A comprehensive modular schedule forms the basis of academic teaching and performance evaluation, and provides rigorous examination drill to the students.
Career counselling and research orientation are also given to every new batch of incoming students. Students are encouraged to take up research projects. Establishment of research on firm grounds is a departmental priority and excellent progress is being made in this matter. The department is successfully running continuous professional development programs including Journal Club, Faculty Skills Enhancement (FSE) and Train & Share Initiative (TSI) to augment the learning of the faculty members and students in order to achieve excellence at the individual, departmental and organizational levels. The ‘Faculty Skills Enhancement’ (FSE) workshops are regularly organized by the department of Biochemistry under the auspices of School of Health Professions Education (SHaPE). The workshops are conducted by eminent external facilitators for and are open for participation by all institutional faculty members. The ‘Train & Share Initiative’ (TSI) is an intradepartmental program of the Biochemistry department that has been set up recently with an aim to develop a continuous cycle of learning, sharing and improvement. Regular bimonthly journal club meetings are held for the development of research skills including but not limited to critical appraisal, research methodology, manuscript writing and research dissemination, improvement of existing research practices and formulation of future research ideas. Extracurricular activities are also a key part of the departmental philosophy and faculty members are actively engaged in CMH Life line Society, Character Building Society, Indoor games Society to name a few. Biochem News & Views is a monthly digital newsletter launched recently to inform about the curricular and co-curricular activities taking place in the department.
The department is headed by Prof. Dr. Syed Imran Ali Shah who did his medical graduation from the top-ranking King Edward Medical University and then did MPhil in Medical Biochemistry from University of Health Sciences. He then went on to complete his PhD from the prestigious Imperial College London. He has over 16 years of experience in medical teaching and health sciences research. He holds several local and international certifications, accreditations and memberships. He has been awarded international honours for his accomplishments, including participation in Nobel Laureates Meeting (Germany), Research internship (Japan), Commonwealth scholarship (UK) and Royal reception by Queen Elizabeth II to name a few. Prof. Shah has published 100+ papers in renowned medical and allied health journals and presented his work at leading conferences in the USA and Europe. He has also co-authored books on medical biochemistry.