• Orientation session for our registered batch 2023.
• Open house session for candidates who haven’t registered up till now.
• On the spot registration for the course.

On 5th March 2023, Global Institute of Human Development, School of Universal Health Coverage, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University and Central Institute of Family Medicine hosted a virtual inaugural ceremony and first academic 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 ceremony was attended by 250 participants from all over Pakistan, UAE and Saudi Arabia, indeed a strong start of the first batch of the programme and a historic presence for an online mental health programme for General Practitioners (GPs)!

We have enrolled 150 General Practitioners (GPs) from Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Karachi, Multan, Swat, Faisalabad, Abbottabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Hyderabad and from many other cities across Pakistan in the mental health and research for UHC certificate course, with whom we will continue to work throughout the next six months of the course. The certificate course integrated into diploma aims to enable GPs, fresh MBBS graduates and non-practicing doctors through flexible quality training to provide comprehensive, evidence-based and ethical care to patients.  It is a cornerstone in efforts to promote Universal Health Coverage in Pakistan.

The occasion was graced by Vice Chancellor Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Prof. Dr Muhammad Iqbal Khan,Dean Faculty of Health Sciences  Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Prof. Dr Muhammad Amir, Prof. Dr. Zafar Mirza, Former State Minister of Health of Pakistan and Professor of Health System and Population Health and Founding Director of Global Institute of Human Development Dr Syed Usman Hamdani, along with core teaching faculty of the programme, Prof. Abdul Nasir Shah and Prof. Dr. Saima Pervaiz, who highlighted the purpose of the diploma, addressed participants’ queries regarding course format, accreditation and mode of teaching. A total of 250 participants attended the inaugural ceremony online. 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:

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.

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 if not previously being done from CPSP.

Do I get a certificate or diploma?

Participants who successfully complete both courses will receive two certificates by Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU): successfully completing diploma in Family Medicine and certificate course in mental health and research for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The certificate is also supported by the World Health Organization, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Pakistan and British Asian Trust, Pakistani

What is the research practicum?

Hands-on research practicum will provide an opportunity to participants 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 lectures and workshops if not previously done from CPSP.

Do I need to come to Islamabad for training?

The training of DFM and certificate course will be organized throughout Pakistan. Family Medicine attachments and hospital rotations will be arranged within the district of residence of candidates. Only candidates from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and nearby cities will get training from 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/

Moderator of the session were:

Dr Huda Shoaib
Course Coordinator/Campus Diretcor
Global Institute of Human Development, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University

Panelist of the session were:

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

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