Muscat – Omani medical students from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) have won four awards at the Rzeszów International Medical Students’ Association Conference in Poland, earning recognition for their innovative research across multiple disciplines.

The annual conference, held in Rzeszów, brought together around 300 researchers, medical students, and young doctors from Europe, North America and Asia. This year’s edition featured 61 oral presentations and 40 research posters covering diverse medical fields.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Abdullah al Lawati, one of the award recipients, said, “We are proud of this achievement, which reflects the growing strength of Omani medical research.”

Dr Lawati received the Distinction Award for Oral Presentation for his paper ‘Dorsal Veins as a Unique Biometric Tool in the Omani Population’. The study explored the use of dorsal hand veins as a biometric identifier, comparing its accuracy with conventional technologies such as fingerprint and facial recognition. The research identified six main vein patterns, with further studies planned to assess their reliability for identity verification.

He also received the Distinction Award for Poster Presentation for his review ‘Current Parenteral and Oral Medications for Weight Loss’. The paper evaluated all FDA-approved weight-loss medications, comparing their effectiveness and safety with lifestyle interventions, ketogenic diets and bariatric surgery.

Azzan al Wahshi was honoured with the Distinction Award for Oral Presentation for his research on the Impostor Phenomenon among university students at SQU. His study found that between 52% and 56% of students experience impostor feelings linked to anxiety and depression, emphasising early support in academic environments.

Ayman al Habsi also received a Distinction Award for Oral Presentation for his paper ‘Revisional Bariatric Surgery: Techniques for Managing Weight Regain and Surgical Complications’. His research examined surgical techniques and patient outcomes in revisional bariatric procedures, highlighting the increasing demand for such interventions in Oman.

The awards mark a significant achievement for Oman’s young researchers and underline the expanding contribution of SQU students to international medical science and innovation.