MBBS is a five year program with curriculum conforming to the regulations and recommendations of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council as follows:

First Professional(Part A & Part B)

   Anatomy
   Biochemistry
   Physiology
   Islamiat & Pakistan Studies

Second Professional

    General Pathology & Microbiology
    Pharmacology
    Forensic Medicine

Third Professional
   Pathology
   Community Medicine
   Ophthalmology
   ENT

Final Professional
   Medicine
   Surgery
   Pediatrics
   Obstetrics & Gynecology

The practice of Medicine has always been part Art and part Science. This universally accepted adage has evolved from the way medicine has been practiced throughout history, from the days of shamans, witchcraft, faith healers; from medieval to modern times. Medical education as a discipline began in India and Pakistan during the Indus Valley Civilization. Every subsequent civilization (Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek and Islamic) developed and enlarged the scope of medical education from a pure Art form into a discipline of Art and Science. The present system of medical education was developed during the Renaissance in Italy and further evolved in Britain. Medical education in Pakistan is based on the British model adapted in the subcontinent during the British Raj (1858-1947).

The World Health Organization evolved the concept of a Five Star Doctor as follows:
      Manager
      Communicator
      Care Provider
      Decision Maker
      SLeader
These attributes of a doctor are acceptable to most nations, but the problem arose in writing a curriculum which could fulfill the requirement of all the attributes. At Jinnah Medical and Dental College, we have adapted a strategy to produce Five Star Doctor graduates. We believe that training of a Physician is firstly to become a good citizen and person of learning; one who deals not with a disease, but with a person, who is a part of a family and community. The emphasis is on acquiring relevant knowledge, communication skills, working as a team, understanding different views and developing compassion and empathy. This vision has led us to develop a course including Anthropology, Psychology and other Behavioral Sciences taught in the first two years, along with Pakistan Studies and Current Affairs.

In order to develop communication skills, presentation skills and team work, students are divided into smaller groups for tutorials which are held in every subject once a week. The tutorials are conducted by the students with a faculty supervisor based on tutorial objectives given at the beginning of each week. Evidence Based Medicine is taught in First Year and Biostatistics and Epidemiology in Second Year to prepare students for Journal Club presentations. From Second Year onwards, groups of 3-4 students are required to make presentations at weekly Journal Clubs relevant to the disciplines being taught in that particular year of the curriculum. In Fourth and Final Year, students conduct a weekly Clinico-Pathological Conference based on study of an admitted patient students have examined.

Community Medicine is taught during the first four years, with emphasis on practical experience in general OPD settings, weekly visits to industries, specialized institutions, water and sewerage plants. Students are required to conduct surveys and write a research paper on their topic in fourth year. Emphasis is given to hazardous behaviors and unhealthy life habits and how to change these behaviors in the community.

Clinical teaching in Medicine, Surgery and Pediatrics is conducted from Third Year onwards at Jinnah Medical College Hospital. Clinical training in ENT and Ophthalmology is done during the Fourth Year. In addition to JMCH, students go to LRBT Eye Hospital. Obstetrics and Gynecology clinical teaching takes place in Fourth and Final Year at both JMCH and Lady Dufferin Hospital.

ASSESSMENT AND PROMOTION

Students’ knowledge and skills are continuously assessed in practicals, tutorials, Journal Club presentations and Clincico-Pathological Conferences to prepare them for Internal and Professional examinations. There are two scheduled Internal Examinations each year: a Midterm and a Pre Professional Examination. Each exam consists of a theory paper, as well as a practical and oral exam. Professional Examinations are conducted by the University of Karachi.

The University of Karachi conducts Professional Examinations for MBBS and BDS at the end of each academic year. Each theory paper includes multiple choice questions (One Best Choice type) and Short essay questions. Practical examinations and viva voce for each subject are scheduled after the theory papers. Students must score 50% in both theory and Viva/Practical to pass.

According to PMDC Regulations, "Continuous internal assessment consists of appropriate evaluation at the end of each assignment, term, stage or course of the curriculum. Proper records of internal evaluations should be maintained, and the scores obtained in these tests should contribute 30% to the final total score of the candidates.” Marks scored by students on Internal Assessment are included in the Practical/Viva Voce marks of the University Professional Examinations.

According to University of Karachi rules, no student with less then 75% attendance may be allowed to sit for Professional Examinations. They must have 75% in lectures, tutorial, practicals and clinical assignments. There will be no extra chances to make up this attendance, so students must attend the regularly scheduled classes. If students are not present in class for any reason (illness, trip abroad, family problems, etc.) they will be marked absent. Students must also attend at least two internal tests, obtaining not less then 25% marks in each test. Since each test consists of a theory paper and viva, students must attend both theory and viva and must obtain a minimum of 25% in each part of the test. Students not meeting these minimum requirements of the University of Karachi will not be allowed to sit for Professional Examinations.

Attendance of clinical assignments for Third, Fourth and Final Years will be calculated at the time of sending exam forms for the Final Professional Examination. There will be no opportunity at that time to make up short attendance in clinics. Short attendance will not be condoned for any reason. After Midterm Examinations, a letter detailing the student’s marks and attendance to date is sent to the Parents/Guardians via courier service. Any parent wishing to discuss the progress or attendance of their student may contact the Student Affairs Office to make an appointment at 4935009.