Clinical Training

A balance between hospital, ambulatory care, and community settings is essential for significant exposure to curative, reventive, and rehabilitative aspects of health care. Learning sites have been defined in the early years. For balanced training, university hospitals at Nazimabad, Kemari, Clifton, and Sobhraj Maternity Hospital are used primarily for training in preventive, rehabilitative and curative medicine. Sikandarabad, a community-based setting and the outpatient clinic provide care for patients belonging to a lower socio-economic class. More sites are being developed for better exposure of students to varied socio-economic problems of middle, and lower middle-income families.

The Family Medicine Health Centre (FMHC) is a low-cost outpatient clinic aimed for less affordable population living close to the Clifton campus. The PHC is primarily for registered families of the defined blocks of Sikandarabad. These sites provide better opportunities for learning to students as they come in contact with the range of people and patients with problems that are essential for learning.

Electives

For M.B.,B.S. final year students, a four-week elective experience is a requirement to be completed in institutions which may not be a part of the University system. Students have the option to undergo this training in Pakistan or overseas. This experience allows them wider exposure and enables them to develop interest in particular areas. The financial responsibility of completing electives is undertaken by the students. The Dean’s Office facilitates placement of students.

The College is committed to promoting problem solving, and self-learning skills of the medical graduates, that help them in their actual practice, and in meeting the growing challenges posed by the advancement in Biological Sciences and Technology. College learning strategies include Lectures, Small Group Discussions, Problem-Based Learning, Self-study, Assignments, Seminars, Conferences, Practical, Field visits, and Clinical training. Acquiring the capacity to work effectively as a member of a group is seen as an important goal for graduates. Thus, the major emphasis of the programme lies in the use of small groups for learning.

Community-Based Education

The University has responded to its commitment of providing training to primary care physicians by establishing a Primary Health Care (PHC) Programme in the community of Sikandarabad.

The PHC Programme is designed for a defined population of 20,000 people. The Department of Family Medicine has assumed responsibility for the Primary Health Care (PHC) Clinic in Sikandarabad. The students interact with the community through PHC Clinic, out-patient clinic, family assignments, and other communitybased activities. These activities provide students an opportunity to understand the natural history of disease and the dynamics which influence health and health-seeking behavior, as well as have opportunities to practice continuity of care. Family Assignment. In MBBS 3rd year, two to three families are assigned, which allow students to interact with individuals, and families, in a home setting, and also provide them opportunities for a continuous follow-up up to MBBS 4th year. The Department of Family Medicine is responsible for family assignments and training students outside hospitals in a diverse range of sites, such as out-patient clinics, PHC in Sikendarabad.

Self-Directed Learning

The College Policy is to prepare students to become independent, self-directed, life-long learners. The introduction of student-centered learning strategy is a step towards promotion of self-directed learning abilities such as critical thinking, and problem solving. Students are encouraged to consult from a wide selection of learning resources including books, journals, models, computer assisted learning programme, and the Internet. In the very introductory course, students learn how to use the library and computer facilities effectively.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

PBL is the leading strategy adopted for learning at the Ziauddin Medical College. This approach is characterized by:

• Providing students an opportunity to learn how to deal with the problems they face in later professional practice.
  
• Emphasis on self–motivation, and responsibility for learning.
  
• Training for learning professional skills such as leadership and team work.

The aim of problem-based learning is to overcome various drawbacks in the traditional methods of instruction; for instance the passive role of students during lectures, irrelevant subject matter in the curriculum, lack of integration between disciplines, insufficient preparation of the students for higher education after completing M.B.,B.S., and, in particular, the difficulties experienced by many medical graduates in applying what they have learned in actual practice.

Through problem-based learning, students are encouraged to seek information, and progressively direct their own learning. These skills provide students the basis for a lifetime of medical practice.

General Principals

It is recognized that the form and content of assessment have a strong influence on shaping students’ learning style and approach.

The structure, content, and process of all assessments are designed to reflect and reinforce the specified learning objectives at each stage of the programme.

Assessments serve the purpose of feedback to the students and the faculty (formative), as well as certification (summative).

Modes of Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) examinations are used primarily to assess retained basic factual information.

Short answer papers help to assess the breadth of core factual knowledge.

Essay, or modified essay papers assess in-depth knowledge, and understanding.

Objective Structured Practical/Clinical Examinations (OSPE/ OSCE) are used to assess practical skills and competencies in basic clinical procedures.

The oral examination is to assess knowledge mainly of a higher domain. It is also used as a moderating instrument in case of doubt.

Continuous Assessment Policy

Student competencies are judged on the following criteria:

Attendance requirement of at least 80%.

Securing a minimum pass level (Satisfactory) in an academic year requires consistency in Continuous Assessments. The minimum pass level is determined by a student’s achievement in term examinations, which include written tests, tutorials, practical, assignments, and other academic activities.

Student eligibility for Professional Examinations is determined by an individual’s attendance, and performance in test and examination in an academic year.

Each student requires attendance of at least 80%. Student performance in each year is judged by formative (continuous) and summative (end of year) assessments. Formative assessment is on the basis of attendance, performance in scheduled tests, tutorials, field visits, practical, dissections and assignments. Summative assessment includes term examinations, and professional examinations.

Proffessional Examination

The Ziauddin University holds M.B.B.S. Professional Examinations at the end of each academic year. This is a certifying examination, which is in line with the guidelines of the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council, and leads to the award of M.B.B.S. Degree. A consistent record of satisfactory performance is necessary for eligibility to M.B.B.S. Professional Examination. Each student’s performance is reviewed by the concerned Committee, which also determines the eligibility for the certifying examination. Progression to second, third, fourth and fifth year is regularly determined by achieving satisfactory performance in the respective M.B.B.S. Professional Examinations at the end of each academic year.

Admission to Ziauddin Medical College for a five year M.B.,B.S. degree course is open to all individuals who meet the selection criteria. All candidates are chosen for their academic achievements and potential.

Students are admitted to the first year of M.B.,B.S. on previous high school and/or college academic record, and score in test and interview conducted by the Ziauddin University. Selection of students is on the basis of an admission policy approved by the Governing Body of Ziauddin University, which is in line with the regulations of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.

Students are largely admitted in the category of Local Residents. Only a few seats are available for Overseas Students. The University does NOT admit students on the basis of donations.

I. General Criteria for Admission:

The General criteria for students seeking admission to M.B.,B.S. degree Programme are as follows:

Minimum 60% marks in Pre-Medical Group of Higher Secondary Certificate Examination held by a recognized Board of Intermediate Education in Pakistan.

With GCE Cambridge/London, ‘Advanced level’ (A level), American High School Diploma, and other equivalent Certificates or Diplomas, an equivalence to HSC (Pre-Medical) equivalence will be decided as per guidelines of HEC. Students with American High School Certificate are also recommended to submit SAT–II with a minimum recommended score of 550 in subjects of Biology, Chemistry and one more Science subject.

(Local + Overseas) Students are required to take a written test (MCQs) and appear for an interview. Proficiency in English Language, both in written and verbal expression is required.

II. Local Students:

Items to be submitted for admission:

• Completed admission form of Ziauddin Medical College.
• Photographs (5 Passport size).
• One copy of Mark Sheet of Secondary School Certificate (SSC Part I and II).
  
• One copy of Secondary School Certificate (if available).
  
• One copy of Mark Sheet of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC Part I and II pre-medical). If results of HSC Part II have not been declared by the concerned Board, Admit Card of HSC Part II examination must be submitted.
  
• For students with GCE Cambridge/London, one copy each of the transcript of ‘O’ level and ‘A’ level examination results.
  
• One copy of National Identity Card (NIC) (In case NIC is not available, “B” form with a copy of Parent’s / Guardian’s NIC must be submitted).

Student Selection

Final selection of local resident students is decided on the following weightage:

Note: Before submitting applications, applicants must ensure that they have complied with the instructions given with the application form. It remains the responsibility of the applicant to submit the application according to instructions.

Students are expected to submit photocopies of documents along with the application and originals for the purpose of verification by the University. If it considers essential, the University will check the authenticity of the documents submitted, with the concerned School, College, Board or University.

III. Admission Criteria for Overseas Students:

The University has defined the category of Overseas Students as follows:

1. Wards of Pakistanis residing abroad.
   
2. Students sponsored by their relatives or friends residing abroad.

Change to Local Resident status will not be allowed to those admitted as Overseas Students.

For students who have graduated from Overseas Pakistani Schools:

Items to be submitted for admission:

• Completed application form of Ziauddin University along with the required non refundable fee in US dollars.
  
• One copy of Marks Sheet of Secondary School Certificate (SSC Part I and II).
  
• One copy of Higher Secondary Certificate Marks Sheet (HSC Part I and II pre-medical).
  (In case the result of HSC Part II has not been declared by the concerned Board, photocopy of admit card of HSC Part II examination must be submitted).
  
• For students completing GCE, Cambridge London, one copy each of “O” and “A” Levels transcripts.

IV. For High School Graduates of USA / Canada:

• One copy of High School Certificate (Grade 9-12 or 13) attested by the School Principal/ Officer.
  
• Recommended SAT-II with minimum score of 550 in subjects of Biology, Chemistry and one more Science subject.

Note: Before submitting applications, applicants must ensure that they have complied with the instructions given with the application form. It remains the responsibility of the applicant to submit the application according to instructions.

Photocopies of documents submitted with the application must be presented along with the originals for the purpose of verification by the University. The University, if it considers essential, will check the authenticity of the documents submitted with the concerned School, College, Board or University.

V. Admission Test:

The University conducts the Admission Test for all eligible candidates (local+overseas). The Test which consists of multiple choice questions of various types. The Test comprises of four to five sections designed to assess each applicant’s performance in the areas of:

(a) Biology
(b) Chemistry
(c) Physics
(d) General Knowledge
(e) Aptitude
(f) English

The level of questions in sections of Biology, Physics and Chemistry correspond to that expected at the end of Intermediate Examination or equivalent qualifications (12th Year).

VI. Interview:

Short listed applicants will be interviewed to assess their suitability to complete the M.B.,B.S. course and pursue a career in health sciences.

VII. Notification of Admission:

The Registrar of the University will notify the students who are successful in the admission process. Successful applicants are given a deadline by which to accept the offer of admission. Offers not accepted by the given deadline are cancelled.

VIII. Requirements for Selected Students:

Successful students selected for M.B.,B.S. Programme are expected to fulfill the following:

a) Verification of Educational Testimonials:

Bring original transcripts, Marks Sheets / certificates for attestation by the University.

b) Medical Examination:

The Undergraduate Medical Programme is both physically and mentally demanding. Students offered admission are required to undergo a comprehensive medical examination including laboratory investigations and X-ray chest, before they are allowed to join the classes.

c) Immunization:

Clinical experience carries a small personal risk of infection. In their own interest, and also in the interest of patients and others, students must provide evidence of immunization against the following:

• Tuberculosis (BCG)
• Diphtheria
  
• Poliomyelitis
• Pertussis
  
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus
  
• Measles/Mumps (and Rubella for females)

c) Payment of Fees:

On receiving the offer of admission from the Registrar of the University, the students are expected to deposit the required (non-refundable) admission, and tuition fees within the date mentioned in the letter of offer. If the required fee is not submitted within the specified date mentioned, the admission will stand cancelled.

Refund Policy:

Refund of fee will be according to following rules.

The University provides this facility to candidates based on merit and individual needs. The relevant information can be obtained from the administration. Each case is treated on individual basis and decisions are made by the Financial Aid committee.