Visit of Suleiman Roshan Medical College Students to AKU Matiari Research and Training Centre
On 22nd April 2025, students from Suleiman Roshan Medical College, Tando Adam, visited the Aga Khan University Matiari Research and Training Centre (AKU-MRTC) to gain firsthand insight into community-based health research and rural public-health interventions.
The visit began with a warm welcome and an introductory session led by the AKU-MRTC research team, during which students were briefed on the Centre's extensive work in maternal and child health of more than 20 years in the Matiari district. The team outlined the objectives, scope, and long-term impact of various research initiatives being implemented in the district, including community-based trials, demographic surveillance system, and health systems strengthening. This was followed by an interactive presentation session, where students were encouraged to engage directly with the researchers and field team. The presentation focused on real-world challenges and methodological considerations in rural health research. Students showed great interest, posed insightful questions, and shared their reflections on how such research can be translated into better clinical practices and policy advocacy. Subsequently, the students were taken on a guided tour of the research facility, including the Field Lab, Data Management Unit, and Ultrasound Room. These visits offered a behind-the-scenes view of data collection, storage, and preliminary analysis processes, emphasizing the importance of data quality and ethical research conduct.
The highlight of the visit was a field site exposure, where students observed a live demonstration of a 24-hour dietary recall interview, a key component of nutritional assessment studies. This firsthand experience enabled them to better understand the nuances of community engagement, consent procedures, and the practical challenges faced by field workers in collecting reliable dietary intake information. The visit concluded with a feedback session, in which the student's expressed appreciation for the opportunity to observe public health research in action. They acknowledged that the visit significantly enhanced their understanding of the interplay between research and community service.
