Introduction

The modern medicine is committed to train the future doctors in the BIOPSYCHO-SOCIAL MODEL of health care. This model expects the doctor to be an effective communicator and an ethical practitioner of the art and science of medicine who trains himself, in the study of the psychosocial aspects alongside the biological determinants of health and disease. By applying this model, a doctor can extend health care beyond the patient to include the family and community and emphasizes as much on the prevention of illness and promotion of health as on the treatment of disease. To achieve an adequate training in this model, it is pertinent to teach Behavioural Sciences alongside the subjects of Physiology, Anatomy and Biochemistry as basic to the clinical subjects in later years. University of Health Sciences has taken a lead by including the subject of Behavioural Sciences for organized teaching and training at the undergraduate level in all its affiliated medical/dental colleges, under the supervision of Late Prof. Mubashir Malik. The University held the first ever examination in Behavioural Sciences in 2007 as part of the University's Second Professional Examinations of MBBS (Third Year) & BDS (Second Year).

The Department of Behavioural Sciences at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) stands at the intersection of medicine, psychology, and sociology, embodying the philosophy that effective health care extends beyond biological treatment alone. Modern medicine increasingly recognizes the Biopsychosocial Model, which emphasizes that health and illness are shaped not only by physiological processes but also by psychological and social factors. To address this broader perspective, the Department of Behavioural Sciences plays a pivotal role in medical and dental education, preparing students to become compassionate, ethical, and holistic caregivers.
The origins of the department date back to 2007, when UHS became one of the first universities in the region to formally integrate Behavioural Sciences into the MBBS and BDS curricula. Under the visionary guidance of the late Prof. Mubashir Malik, the first Behavioural Sciences examination was conducted in the Third Year MBBS and Second Year BDS professional examinations. This marked a milestone in the history of medical education in Pakistan, acknowledging that future doctors must be trained to understand patients not merely as biological entities but as individuals with unique psychological needs and social contexts.
Behavioural Sciences are integral to improving health outcomes across multiple dimensions. They illuminate how stress, emotional disturbances, or unhealthy interpersonal dynamics can contribute to conditions such as eating disorders or anxiety. They underscore the impact of lifestyle behaviours like smoking, sedentary routines, or substance abuse on morbidity and mortality. Moreover, they highlight the profound role of social determinants—such as occupation, socioeconomic status, and cultural background—in shaping disease patterns and access to care. By equipping future healthcare professionals with these insights, the department ensures they can deliver more effective, empathetic, and patient-centered care.
In recognition of its academic and societal value, the department expanded its scope by introducing the M.Phil. in Behavioural Sciences in 2011. This two-year postgraduate program was designed to prepare educators, researchers, and specialists who could lead the development of this emerging discipline in Pakistan. The program blends theoretical foundations with practical training in teaching, applied research, and clinical integration. Graduates are not only equipped to become faculty members in medical and dental colleges but also to serve as consultants, trainers, and health psychologists contributing to the wider health system.
The department’s aims are firmly rooted in promoting ethical and professional standards, enhancing students’ communication skills, and fostering sensitivity toward the psychosocial aspects of health and illness. Through carefully designed learning outcomes, students are trained to apply the Biopsychosocial Model in clinical practice, communicate effectively with patients and communities, and integrate behavioural sciences into both academic learning and professional growth. This training ensures that graduates of UHS are not only competent clinicians but also empathetic communicators, ethical practitioners, and socially responsible leaders.
Studying Behavioural Sciences at UHS offers students a distinct advantage. The department’s pioneering approach has positioned it as a leader in medical education reform. Its programs open diverse career pathways, enabling graduates to pursue roles in education, research, consultancy, and health psychology. Its emphasis on holistic training develops not only clinical expertise but also empathy, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity. Furthermore, students benefit from robust research opportunities, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for higher studies and academic careers.
Ultimately, the department’s work has a tangible community impact, as its graduates contribute to health promotion, disease prevention, and improved patient care both at individual and societal levels.
Through its integrated academic programs, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence, the Department of Behavioural Sciences continues to shape the future of medical education and health care in Pakistan. It reflects UHS’s enduring belief that the best doctors are not only healers of the body but also caretakers of the human mind and spirit.

Vision Statement

To pioneer excellence in medical education by integrating behavioural sciences with clinical practice, fostering compassionate caregivers who promote holistic health through empathy, ethics, and innovation.

Mission Statement

The Department of Behavioural Sciences is committed to advancing health care through the Biopsychosocial Model by training medical and dental students in communication, critical thinking, and psychosocial sensitivity. We aim to prepare future educators, researchers, and professionals who uphold the highest ethical standards, integrate behavioural sciences into medical practice, and contribute to improved health outcomes for individuals and communities alike.