Doctor Of Medicine (MD)

Doctor of Medicine (MD) Goals & Program Outcomes

Doctor of Medicine (MD) program comprises of 2 years of pre-medical and 4 years of preclinical (integrated modular applied basic sciences) and clinical clerkship courses.

Note: The legacy MBBS program is retired; the MD program is canonical. MBBS goals and outcomes are consolidated here under the MD program.

1. The Goals

The curriculum has been developed to provide learning opportunities enabling medical students to acquire fundamental knowledge, develop basic skills and appreciate principles relevant to health care in the context of the community. The six-year curriculum has been designed to achieve the following goals:

1. To ensure that RAKCOMS excels in recognized Medical Education locally, nationally and internationally
2. To promote diversity, Integrity and honesty and be ethical, open and consistent in actions
3. To ensure that medical graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills to provide outstanding, innovative, and patient-centered care thereby playing a major role in transforming Health status of the society.
4. To contribute significantly in the advancement of medical sciences with respect to knowledge and practice and excel in research and discovery in: Biomedical Sciences, Medical Education, Health Care, and Population Sciences.
5. To provide ethical, innovative, community-centered services while transforming health care delivery in the community.
6. By developing links and collaborating with international partners to promote academics, innovative programs, interprofessional education and research.

2. Program Outcomes

a. Knowledge

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological and social-behavioral sciences.
2. Apply the knowledge of basic science in clinical context with respect to patient care, through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
3. Evaluate the non-biological determinants of health and the impact of economic, psychological, social, and cultural factors in clinical decision making.
4. Recognize health right of all citizens and demonstrate knowledge of the global healthcare delivery in the community and strive to fulfill his/her social obligations towards realization of this goal.
5. Develop foundation for lifelong learning and continuing professional development including research methodology, ethics and innovation appropriate for proficiency in Medicine and promote healthy living.

b. Skills

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Obtain a complete holistic medical history and demonstrate ability to perform a physical examination that is complete and relevant to disease identification, disease prevention and health promotion.
2. Demonstrate effective clinical problem solving, judgment and ability to interpret and integrate laboratory data and imaging studies in order to arrive at a clinical diagnosis.
3. Perform clinical procedures effectively at a level appropriate for a medical graduate while respecting patients’ needs, and concerns.
4. Construct and implement appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic management strategies and appropriately identify and refer patients who may require specialized or advanced tertiary care

c. Aspects of Competence

Autonomy and Responsibility

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the attributes of responsibility, sincerity, honesty, integrity and adaptability and ensure that patients receive the highest level of professional care.
2. Implement current best practice methods independently, by collaborating among health care disciplines and among community to achieve optimal care for patients, promote healthy habits for wellness and prevention of disorders.

Role in Context

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate compassion, professionalism and high ethical standards in all aspects of medical practice.
2. Undertake various team roles, recognize the role of doctors as health managers and function effectively as a responsible mentor, leader, team member in healthcare settings.

Self-Development

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Self-evaluate and undertake continuous professional development with emphasis on recent advancements, inter-professional care, ethics and innovations in medical sciences and apply new knowledge and skills in the patient care.

Curriculum (MD)

Note: MBBS pre-clerkship and clinical curricula are consolidated into the canonical MD curriculum below.

General Education Curriculum

General Education Course Description

Pre-Medical Sciences (I & II Year — Semester I to IV)

This educational track that undergraduates pursue, involves activities that prepare a student for preclinical and clinical sciences in the medical school such as pre-medical science coursework, volunteer activities, clinical skills, research and the application process. It has a total of 72 credits and includes English, Health Sciences Communication in Arabic, Emirates Society, Cell Biology, Human Biology-I, II, Research Methodology-I,II, Health Sciences Communication in English, Islamic Culture in Medicine, Health and Nutrition, infection control, Information Technology and Innovation, Clinical Skills-I, Medical genetics, Biostatistics, Bioethics and Professionalism, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences, Career and Professional Development and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Year I

Year II

Pre-clinical and Clinical Sciences (III to VI Year - Semester V to XII)

The courses offered in preclinical years include Musculoskeletal module, Cardio vascular System Module, Clinical Skills –II, Clinical Decision Making-I, Genitourinary System Module, Gastro intestinal system Module, Endocrine Module and Respiratory System Module and Neurology & Behavioral Sciences Module, while clinical sciences covers clinical theory and clerkship rotations in Internal Medicine and allied subjects, General Surgery and allied subjects, Pediatrics and Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Orthopedics, ENT , Ophthalmology and electives.

Goal

Students will learn and acquire an integrated knowledge of organ evolution, structure and functions and the regulatory mechanism of the human body in the management of health and disease.

Modules (Year III, IV)

Integrated Teaching is made up of ‘Modules’. A Module is the smallest unit of curriculum. Each module is based upon organ-system/s of the body and/or processes. In each module, the basic and clinical sciences will be taught in an integrated manner.

Design

The curriculum design has been structured in the following manner:

The third year courses consist of five modules and clinical skills-II

1. Musculoskeletal Module
2. Cardiovascular System Module.
3. Respiratory System Module
4. Gastrointestinal System Module
5. Genitourinary System Module

The fourth year courses consist of two modules and clinical decision-making course. However, the clinical clerkship rotations also commence from 4th year MD and run until 6th year MD program.

1. Endocrinology Module
2. Neurology & Behavioral Science Module

Each of the ‘Module’ has been explicitly designed to contain the following:

1. Title/theme of the module
2. Learning Outcomes
3. Teaching Schedule [Weekly, along with Specific Learning Outcomes]
4. Credit Hours
5. List of Recommended resource materials

Clinical Curriculum

The clinical component of the six year MD program is imparting to each medical student graduate with the fundamental patient centered knowledge and skills important in health and disease as the basis of safe and effective patient care. Gap between the basic sciences and clinical medicine is bridged by providing the students with the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate patients while at the same time, emphasizing the importance and integration of basic sciences, behavioral medicine, ethics, and professionalism. The clinical phase of three years integrated curriculum prepares the medical student for effective delivery of health care to individual and society in practice of medicine.

The focus of this clinical phase through systems is on abnormal structure and function. Students rotate through a series of clinical clerkships which provide opportunities for the study of patients presenting with abnormal structure and function of the body systems. Clinical teaching complements actual clinical experience in patients. The epidemiology, etiology, and natural history of disease processes are investigated in greater depth than in preclinical phase. The principles of therapeutics are included in a consideration of the medical management of specific disease processes. The ethical implications of medical intervention are considered and the psychological and social consequences both of disease and medical intervention are reviewed.

The six general clinical competencies for medical school students include:

• Medical knowledge & clinical skills
• Evidence-based learning
• Patient care
• Effective communication skills
• Professionalism
• Self-directed lifelong learning

As a student progresses though the clinical curriculum of the medical school, his/her competencies and attainment of these educational outcomes are periodically reviewed as they provide valuable guide to the organization of the knowledge, skills and attitudes learnt during this phase of their professional growth.

To ensure equivalent learning experiences for all medical students, a standardized curriculum is employed. This includes:

1. A common list of learning outcomes, to be met with course wise and system wise (where ever applicable), didactic lectures and clinical clerkship program,
2. Recommended / reference text books.
3. A series of team based learning and seminars leading to self-directed learning

After successful completion of the six year MD program, the students are required to undergo a one year rotational internship in the assigned Federal Hospital if they want to practice medicine in UAE. Internship is a phase of training wherein a graduate is expected to conduct actual practice of medical and health care and acquire clinical skills under supervision, so as to enable him/her to function independently.

Clinical Clerkship

The clinical phase of the curriculum includes fourteen required clerkships (Community medicine, Ophthalmology, Oto-rhino-laryngology, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, Dermatology, Radio-diagnosis, Anesthesia & critical care, Emergency Medicine and Electives.

During this period the students are exposed to all the major specialties of medicine and many sub specialties in hospital setting. As they rotate through various departments, they work to develop relationships with faculty and other physicians, seek out mentors who can help out guide their future career choices. They will be evaluated by clerkship assessments including evaluations from their attending physicians and residents and by other appropriate methods. All these evaluation will become part of their continuous assessment.

Clinical Rotations, Weeks per year

Year IV

Year V

Year VI

YEAR III Module Description

Preclinical and Clinical Sciences Courses

YEAR IV

YEAR V

YEAR VI

MD (Doctor of Medicine) Study Plan

6 Years / Enrollment Year Sept 2022 Onwards

Note: The legacy MBBS (175-credit) study plan is superseded by the canonical MD (226-credit) study plan below.

Summary

Total Credits of the MD Program

FIRST TWO YEARS (Pre-medical) deal with Human Biology, Cell Biology, Health and Nutrition, Research Methodology, Biostatistics, Bioethics and professionalism, Medical Genetics, Research Projects, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and General education courses such as English, Health Sciences Communication in Arabic, Health Science Communication in English, Psychology and Behavioral sciences, Emirates Society, Information Technology and Innovation.

NEXT FOUR YEARS of medical curriculum deals with various organ system modules, various clinical disciplines such as Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Pediatrics, Community Medicine and other ancillary courses.

Pre Medical Sciences

Pre-Clinical and Clinical

Total Credits = 226

Graduation Requirement

To be eligible for graduation, the student must satisfy each of the following requirements:

• Must have satisfactorily full filled all the academic requirements including attendance.
• Must have obtained pass grades in all courses of the program with minimum CGPA of 2.00.
• At least 50% of total credits required for the program must have been earned at RAKMHSU.
• The student becomes a degree candidate when the Dean, on the advice of Chairpersons, recommends him/her to the University Senate for conferring the appropriate degree.
• Students must have met all financial obligations to the University within the time specified. The certificate for graduation and transcripts will be withheld if there are any dues to the university.
• In order to qualify for graduation the student must earn the full 226 credits (These credits are inclusive of General Education courses).

Doctor of Medicine (MD) — Admission Criteria

Admissions are open to students of all nationalities based on the established admission criteria.

A.1. Admissions criteria for 12th grade High School or equivalent and additional requirements

UAE Curriculum

American Curriculum

SABIS Curriculum

International Baccalaureate

Pakistan Boards/Certificate

Indian Curriculum (CBSE/ISCE) & Indian State Board

British Curriculum

African Curriculum (WAEC/WASSCE etc.)

Canadian Curriculum (Ontario/Alberta etc.)

We converted the marks for the foreign curriculum based on the World Education service link https://applications.wes.org/country-resources/resources.asp

Additional Requirements

• English Subject: If the English subject score is less than 80% in grade 12, applicants are required to pass a remedial course in the specified subject for the UAE Curriculum. For other curriculum, if the medium of instruction is English, a letter from the school is required.
• Personal Interview: All applicants must pass a personal interview set by the college, in addition to other admission conditions set by the university.
• High Priority for Admission: High priority will be given to students with a TOEFL score of >500 (paper-based) or >61 (internet-based) or an Academic IELTS score of >5 or an EMSAT English score of 1100 with a valid test date. Preference will also be given to students with high scores in Biology and Chemistry/Physics in grade 12.
• Remedial: Applicants who do not meet the requirements for any of the science subjects, Mathematics, or English must successfully complete remedial courses in the respective subject during the first semester.

Admission Requirements For Graduate-Entry 4-Years MD Program (for those who completed Bachelor degree)

(This track of admission depends on the vacancy available within the approved capacity of admission.)

Ref: 1. Ministrial Decision (No.669 for 2020) in December concerning admission requirements for medicine and surgery programs.

Ref: 2. ERT reviewers report for renewal of program accreditation of the MBBS-Doctor of Medicine, RAKMHSU, Requirement 53: RAKMHSU is required to provide a plan for admitting graduate students to the MD program, including admission criteria and potential remedial course, and seek approval for this plan by the MOHESR.

Ref: 3. Bench marking with other UAE university like Khalifa University Abu Dhabi, UAE and Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UA E.

Ref: 4. The graduate admission criteria of RAK Medical and Health Sciences University for Master of Nursing and Master of Pharmacy.

• The Applicant should possess a bachelor’s degree (Biomedical / Health / Life Sciences or equivalent) from an accredited college by MOHESR or other equivalent body or university with:
• Equivalency Certificate of the Baccalaureate degree from the Ministry of Education, UAE or Copy of WES Grading Evaluation Score Sheet.
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale or equivalent on non-GPA grading systems
• Core CGPA (Science courses) at least 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale or equivalent on non-GPA grading systems.

The Applicant must have proficiency in spoken and written English. The Applicant can fulfil the English proficiency requirement via the EmSAT – English or TOEFL paper based or TOEFL – IBT(internet based test) or Academic IELTS.

Please note that the validity of TOEFL paper based test, TOEFL - IBT(Internet based test), Academic IELTS is two years only and for EMSAT English score is 18 months and these scores should be valid at the time of Admission process to join the above program.

• EmSAT English : Minimum Score of 1400 or higher
• TOEFL - IBT(Internet Based test) : Minimum Score of 79 or higher
• TOEFL - Paper based test - Minimum Score of 550 or higher
• Academic IELTS: Minimum Overall score 6 or higher. Ref: 4.

The following bachelor degrees or equivalent holders are eligible for Graduate-entry (4- years MD) program

• Life sciences
• Physical sciences
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Computer science
• Alternative/complementary medicine/sys
• Clinical/medical lab science/allied
• Dental support services/allied
• Dentistry
• Health & medical administrative services
• Allied health and medical assisting services
• Allied health diagnostic, intervention, treatment professions
• Medicine, including psychiatry
• Nursing
• Optometry
• Osteopathic medicine/osteopathy
• Pharmacy/pharmaceutical sciences/admin
• Podiatric medicine/podiatry
• Public health
• Veterinary medicine

Preference shall be given to Applicant's with Healthcare/Research/Community service experience.

• Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from persons familiar with the Applicant's academic aptitude and standing (Dean/Professor/Faculty) in the Bachelor program; one may be from a workplace.

All Applicants shall be subjected to an interview by the Special Admissions Committee to evaluate for cognitive and non-cognitive traits demonstrating their aptitude for the chosen area of study.

Applicants are required to apply on the admission portal with resume and a personal statement.

The decision of the Admission Committee shall be final and binding.

Note: Priority will be given to those candidates who are 26years or less of age at the time of application.

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Fee Structure

For detailed, up-to-date tuition and fee information for this program, please refer to the Fee Structure page.

Assessment Methodologies

MBBS program years I to V

Pre-Clerkship Courses of MBBS Years I & II

The curriculum for the Pre-Clerkship courses of first two years of MBBS program is an Integrated Modular Curriculum. The basic sciences courses are integrated into various modules and each module is considered equivalent to a course with credits

• Year 1 consists of 4 modules.
• Year 2 consists of 4 modules.

There is both Continuous Assessment and Comprehensive Examinations for each module. Both components are applied for assessment of theory and practical learning.

Continuous assessment is performed throughout the academic year and the Comprehensive Examination is conducted at the end of the academic year. Combination of the grades achieved by the students in these components gives the final grade that the students achieve at the end of each year. Progression along the module is decided at the end of each academic year.

Continuous assessment contributes 60% and Comprehensive Examination contributes 40% towards the final grades (Both for theory and practical) and these components have to be passed together.  In case of failure in comprehensive examination, both theory and practical exams have to be repeated in repeat examination.

Continuous assessment exams are conducted by the basic sciences departments of RAKCOMS.

Continuous Assessment

Theory

An average of the grades obtained in these two Continuous Assessment Test will be calculated and this will contribute 30% to the total theory continuous assessment.

Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE)

There will be one OSPE at the end of each module. It will contribute 30% to the total continuous assessment.

Team Based Learing (TBL)

TBL will be scheduled at frequent intervals throughout the module.

Each TBL consists of Individual readiness assurance test (I – RAT) and Team readiness assurance test (T- RAT).

Weightage for I – RAT is 70% and T- RAT is 30%, to calculate the final grade achieved by each student for a particular TBL Average of all TBL’s conducted in each module is taken and they will contribute 25% to the total continuous assessment.

Assignments

One integrated assignment per semester is given and the scores are equally distributed to both modules in the semester. It will contribute 15% to the total continuous assessment

Continuous Assessment marks

Clinical Skills

Continuous assessment in clinical skills is of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and will be conducted one for each semester. There is no comprehensive examination. However, OSCE will be assessed and graded like in any other course but the grade points will not be included in the GPA of the semester and overall CGPA

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For Clerkship courses of MBBS Years III to V

Assessment in the clinical years (Years 3, 4 and 5) of the MBBS program while retaining the general principles of the assessment system of the University caters to the teaching and clinical rotations which form the basis of learning in these years.

There is both continuous assessment and Comprehensive Examinations. Each of these two components is applied to both theory and clinical.

Continuous assessment occurs throughout the academic year and the Comprehensive Examination is conducted at the end of the academic year. Combination of these components gives the grades the student achieves at the end of the year. Progression along the course is decided at the end of each academic year.

Continuous assessment and Comprehensive Examination will contribute 50% each to the final scores for theory/ clinical separately and these components have to be passed separately.  In case of failure in comprehensive exams, only the failed component has to be repeated in repeat examination.

Continuous Assessment-Theory

Continuous Assessment Test

• There will be two theory examinations, at approximately 12 week intervals throughout the teaching period of the Academic Year. These will be in the same format as the Final examination. The dates shall be announced by the University.
• The average scores of the two Continuous Assessment Test will contribute 70% to the total theory continuous assessment.
• They shall comprise of multiple choice questions (MCQ) only. The number of questions will be related to the theory credit hours of the respective courses.
• Continuous Assessments will be conducted on consecutive days without any gap between examinations for different courses.
• There will be no theory classes during continuous assessment but clinical rotations will continue.
• In each of the two Continuous Assessments, students will be examined on only part of the content of the course.
• 1st Continuous Assessment – from beginning of year up to 1st assessment
• 2nd Continuous Assessment – from 1st assessment up to 2nd assessment
• The Deans will notify the students about the schedule of the Continuous Assessment – including the time and venue.

Team based learning (TBL)

TBL will be scheduled at frequent intervals throughout the course/module. Each TBL consists of an Individual readiness assurance test (I-RAT) and a Team readiness assurance test (T-RAT). Weightage for I-RAT is 40% and T-RAT is 60%, to calculate the final grade achieved by each student for a particular TBL. The average of all TBL’s conducted in each course/module is taken.

Continuous Assessment -Clinical

Continuous assessment in Clinical Clerkship Rotation will be carried out for each course. Where more than one clinical posting is scheduled under one course, assessment will be an overall one, but one which incorporates elements from each posting. Generally, in each course, assessment will be under the components mentioned below.

Mini CEX

• Students are required to conduct a medical interview and perform physical examination in a hospital setting under direct supervision of the clinical examiner. Following this the examiners may question the student on their findings and conclusions.
• Mini CEX will contribute 70% to the clinical component of continuous assessment

Log book, Case Review and Case presentations

• Each of these components will contribute 10% to clinical continuous assessment, adding up to 30% of clinical continuous assessment
• Requirement for each clinical clerkship may be different and will be informed to the students at the beginning of the rotation.

Completion of Clinical Clerkship

Completion of a clinical clerkship is based on satisfactory attendance, performance at Mini CEX and fulfillment of the Log Book, Case Review and Case Presentation requirements. If attendance is less than 90%, the student will not be eligible to appear for end rotation Mini CEX exam and comprehensive OCSE at the end year examination.

He has to undergo the remedial process and complete the remedial examination/any clinical evaluation, if any and appear for repeat I examinations.

Weightage Distribution of Clinical Assessment

Comprehensive Examination

The Comprehensive Examination will be the final examination for the course for the academic year. It will be conducted by the Office of Examinations.

Eligibility for the Comprehensive Examination:

To appear for the Comprehensive Examination a student must have both the following requirements

• A minimum score of 40% in the continuous assessment in each component
• A minimum attendance of 75% for the course (90% in clinical component) during the semester

The Comprehensive Examinations will include a theory component and a clinical component. The theory component will include MCQ  while the clinical component will be tested with objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

The number of question items for theory will be based on the theory credit hours and will follow the same recommendations as for the first two years of the MBBS program

The number of question items for OSCE will be generally proportionate to the clinical credit hours for the course and will be decided by the Dean, RAKCOMS. OSCE for several courses may be conducted simultaneously in one circuit.

Pass grade in Clinical Courses

A student is expected to score a minimum of GPA 2.00 in each of the components separately in theory and Clinical (OSCE). A student who fails in theory or OSCE will appear for the respective component only for Repeat examination. Continuous assessment and comprehensive exams will have equal contributions (50% of each) towards the overall grading for the course.

Electives

The electives provide the students with an opportunity to explore subjects of particular interest to them in greater depth than the core course allows or to improve upon the areas of weakness by repeating a regular clerkship. This allows them additional time for personal growth as they fine tune their general medical skills and begin to explore the specialized areas that interest them. Students are encouraged to select an elective course of their own choice for a period of not less than two weeks during semester eight till twelve. The electives taken can be Home electives or Away from home electives. The Home electives are electives within the School of medicine, whereas Away from home electives can be an elective at another medical school or a clinical facility.

The Away from home electives are available from many schools and a variety of clinical facilities. The Office of the Dean and faculty members in the department will guide the students regarding electives.

RAKMHSU has got academic tie-up with Hashemite University of Jordan, Cyber Jaya University of Malaysia, Charles University of Czech Republic, International American University College of Medicine, West Indies, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed University) India, Dr. MGR Educational & Research Institute, India, Azerbaijan University, Azerbaijan Republic and AOC International and Academy for Advanced studies & Training International UK in the areas of clinical elective clerkship training, internship, continuing medical education and research. Similar tie-ups are being worked up with New York Medical College.

The cost of travelling and accommodation and personal expenses during any overseas training is to be borne by the students.

As with all other clerkships, failure to attend an approved elective will result in an unsatisfactory grade.

Internship

After graduation, one-year internship is mandatory if a student wants to practice Medicine in most of the countries in the world except the USA and Canada.

After passing the final MD examination and graduating, students can undergo rotational Internship in the approved hospitals of the country of their choice for a period of twelve months. If they desire to undergo internship in UAE, the University will facilitate the approval from the Emirates Health Services (EHS), UAE to complete their training in the Federal hospitals of UAE so as to get internship completion certificate from MOH and the office of the Dean.

The intern shall be entrusted with clinical responsibilities under the direct supervision of a senior faculty/ consultant. They shall not be working independently. Internship is a phase of training wherein a graduate is expected to conduct actual practice of medical and health care and acquire skills under supervision, so as to enable him/ her to function independently.

The Internship in UAE is arranged and supervised by the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the University facilitates its students in the submission of Internship Applications.