On 3rd February 2023, Global Institute of Human Development, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University and Central Institute of Family Medicine hosted a virtual open house session for our Diploma in Family Medicine with Integrated Certificate Course on Mental Health and Research for Universal Health Coverage, leading to Master’s Programme.

The session highlighted the purpose of the diploma and addressed participants’ queries regarding registration, fee, course format, accreditation and mode of teaching. GIHD-STMU received over 350 registrations within two days of the session. A total of 180 participants attended the session from all over Pakistan. The level of engagement and attendance was a testimony to the urgent need to provide such curricula and programmes to those MBBS doctors who have completed their one-year house job and have a valid PMC/PMDC certificate, either provisional or full registration, non-practicing Lady Doctors and General Practitioners and Family Physicians.

The following queries were addressed during the session:

Where and when is this diploma being offered?

This is a one-year blended learning diploma that is being offered throughout Pakistan by Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU). It has rich audiovisual educational resources in the form of recorded lectures, diverse reading material and clinical guidelines that are easily accessible on our Learning Management System (LMS) on all operating systems and devices.

Orientation of the registered participants will be held in March, 2023.

How much time do I need to dedicate to this diploma?

This diploma is being offered in a blended learning mode and has online as well as practical training components. The online component is self-paced with flexibility to adjust to working schedules of doctors. Additionally, interactive live sessions with specialists, the research practicum, formal assessments and clinical rotations are also designed to meet the busy schedule of doctors.

What is different about this diploma?

DFM is supported by WHO, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination and British Asian Trust. The diploma training can also be accepted in the Masters programme for Family Medicine by Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU).

More importantly, if you continue for another year, you will be eligible for MRCGP [INT] directly. This is the shortest route to any international PG degree in Family Medicine. Moreover, if you have more than 5-year experience, this course will prepare you for the MCPS Family Medicine examination.

It will also help you in starting your own clinical practice.

How will I be assessed?

There are two components of assessment:

• Written exams comprising 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be completed in 3 hours.
• The practical component includes OSCE, workplace-based assessment, research practicum and clinical rotations with specialists and advanced practitioners

Participants will be required to complete both components to earn a certificate.

The clinical rotations are only for those doctors who have less than 5-year experience. Those having more than 5-year experience are only required to attend workshops.

Do I get a certificate or diploma?

Participants who successfully complete both components of the diploma will receive a diploma in Family Medicine by Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU). It is  supported by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Pakistan.

Are there any scholarships available?

Yes, partially funded scholarships (Rs. 40,000/- Scholarship in tuition fee) are available for only those participants who will also enroll into 6-month Certificate course on Mental Health and Research for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) which is integrated into the Diploma in Family Medicine after successfully completing their research parcticum.

What is the research practicum?

Hands-on research practicum will provide an opportunity to integrate and apply research knowledge and skills from coursework in their own area of interest in mental health under supervision of the faculty.

Is it a full-time course?

There are two tracks in this diploma. Those who have less than 5-year experience will take a full-time course. Those who have 5-year or more experience of clinical practice will take part-time course and are required to complete online lecturers and workshops.

Do I need to come to Islamabad for training?

The training of DFM will be organized throughout Pakistan. Family Medicine attachments and hospital rotations will be arranged within your district of residence. Only candidates from Islamabad will get trainings from the Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University affiliated departments.

Is the mental health and research certificate course embedded within the diploma?

Yes, participants will be required to complete modules on Mental Health Problems and their Management, Practical Skills and Introduction to Implementation Research along with principles of Family Medicine and complete a 6-month research practicum to earn a certificate.

What if I am only interested in being enrolled in a 6-month certificate course in Mental Health and Research for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)?

Currently, we are offering this course as part of DFM only. All those candidates who wish to enroll into a 6-month certificate course will be required to complete DFM as well.

What are the approved training sites of DFM?

Our approved training cities are:
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Kamoke, Samundri, Okara, Multan, Bahawalpur, Vehari, Mian Chunnu, Sahiwal, ChichaWatni, DG Khan, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Badin, Naushahro Feroze, Khushab, Taxilla, Wah Cantt., Layyah, Kasur, Sargodha, Shaikhupura, Jhang, Patoki, AJK, Peshawar, Swat, Lower Dir, Karak, Abbottabad.

For further information and registration into the programme please visit our page here: https://gihd.stmu.edu.pk/diploma-in-family-medicine/

Panelist of the sessions were:

PROF. DR. ABDUL NASIR SHAH
(MBBS, FCPS)
Professor of Family Medicine Central Institute of Family Medicine Pakistan

PROF. DR. ZAFAR MIRZA
(MBBS, MSc)
Professor of Health System and Population Health School of Universal Health Coverage, Global Institute of Human Development, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University

PROF. DR. SIHAM SIKANDER
(PhD, FCPS, MBBS)
Professor of Global Mental Health Global Institute of Human Development, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University

PROF. DR. SAIMA PERVAIZ
(MBBS, FCPS)
Head of Department Family Medicine Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University

PROF. FAREED MINHAS
(MBBS, FRCPsych, FCPS, MRCPsych, MCPS)
Professor of Psychiatry and Global Mental Health Global Institute of Human Development, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University

DR. SYED USMAN HAMDANI
(PhD, MBBS)
Founding Director, Assistant Professor Global Institute of Human Development, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University