BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES: THE BACKBONE OF A MEDICAL COLLEGE

Abstract

Medical M.Phil (Pak) is a special degree totally different from M.Phil in general education. One very important difference is the time for completion of study. A medical doctor spends 24–25 years of education and compulsory service to get this degree, while M.Phil in general education subjects can be earned in 18 years only. The second important difference is in the course content of these degrees. To get admission to Medical M.Phil, prerequisite was 2–3 years’ teaching experience as lecturer in the relevant basic medical science subject. At that time, the highest merit doctors selected by the Public Service Commission were posted as demonstrators in medical colleges. The Medical M.Phil, at Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), Karachi is a research degree with the same syllabus followed at Indiana University USA at that time. Medical M.Phil course included a compulsory Research Orientation Course. M.Phil degree holders have supervised FCPS trainees in their disciplines. Many M.Phil degree holders have been awarded Honorary FCPS. Medical M.Phil is not a lower level degree compared to FCPS. Instead of disregarding and disrespecting, the services of Medical M.Phil teachers must be recognised because they served and supported the medical education system of the country for many decades.

Pak J Physiol 2015;15(1):1–2