AFMG

The Faculty of Medicine for Girls

AL-AZHAR UNIVERSITY

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Faculty of Medicine (for Girls) Al-Azhar University

(Faculty of Medicine (for Girls Al-Azhar University General Information

Name of Institution:

Faculty of Medicine (for Girls) Al-Azhar University Nasr City, Cairo - Egypt 202-22638358 www. azhar.edu.eg. Fax: 202-22638357

Address: Tel: Website:

Dean of the Faculty:

Prof. : Nagwa Abdel-Aal

Vice Dean:

Prof.: Nadia H. El.Manawaty

The Faculty started in the academic year: 1965 Number of Students: Number of Graduated Batches: Number of Faculty Staff Members Number of Non Academic Staff: 1869 (2008) 38 714 245

Number of Academic Departments:

31

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Faculty of Medicine (for Girls) was established as one of the applied science faculties of Al-Azhar University following law no. 103 issued in May 1961, which is concerned with the reorganization of Al-Azhar and its institutions. The foundation stone of the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine (for Girls) was laid down in 1964; when the University Council issued a decree for setting up a section for studying Medicine and Surgery. It was affiliated to the Islamic Faculty for Girls. It was responsible for teaching medical sciences according to the Egyptian system of medical education. This responsibility includes teaching medical sciences, carrying out scientific researches in the field of diagnostic, curative and preventive medicine, together with its peculiarity in teaching Islamic related sciences and keeping the distinguished Islamic values. Studying the curriculum started in 1965 with the preliminary year. This was followed by the establishment of academic departments and finally the clinical ones, where in 1969 the academic studying commenced in the laboratories of the Faculty, while the clinical studying started in the Hospital of Manshiet El-Bakry after an agreement with the Ministry of Health. Postgraduate studies started in all the departments of the Faculty in 1971. In 1979, the Republican decree no. 116 for the year 1979 has been issued for transforming the section to an independent faculty which showed continuous expansion and progress in all its departments throughout the following years and up till now. In 1983, the Faculty of Medicine was able to attain an educational hospital; namely, Al-Zahraa University Hospital. At the time being, the Faculty of Medicine (for Girls) contains 31 departments and 2 specialized units. The Faculty awards a Bachelor degree in Medicine and Surgery, 34 master degrees, 29 diplomas and 32 doctorate degrees in the different specialties of medicine. It is unique as an only Faculty of Medicine all over Egypt that awards a master degree in virology. Consequently a number of masters in different sub-specializations is going to be awarded in the near future.

Faculty of medicine Girls Al-Azhar University

Our vision is to provide local, regional and international

communities with female physicians distinguished in updated science and Islamic culture. We also look forward to inculcate the spirit of continuous learning, scientific research and community serving in addition to ensuring the ability to compete in the professional field and labor market.

Our mission is to inculcate and acquire the quality standards in

preparing the female graduates with medical knowledge, skills, technicalities and professional behavior in medicine based upon legislation sciences and Islamic culture; and also to apply the basics of scientific thinking and research, and to encourage continuous learning for preparing graduates to provide health care and to progress in the fields that serve the community and environment.

Programme Title: Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MB.BCh) :Programme Aims to

Provide female graduates with knowledge and understanding of health and its promotion, and of disease prevention and management laying stress on update and evidence based approach to be clinically competent for safe and effective medical practice. Prepare graduates to be proficient in basic clinical skills, demonstrate competency in the performance of a limited number of basic technical procedures and to pursue life long learning and problem solving skills.

Encourage the acquisition of research skills and stimulating approach to Impart appropriate professional and personal attitudes and behavior based

the major public health problems related to the community. on Islamic principles for the achievement of high standards of medical practice. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 2.1- Knowledge and Understanding: Graduates attaining basic medical education should have knowledge that enables them to: 2.1.1- Recognize basic sciences and different stages of development at a level sufficient to understand normal structure, ultrastucture and function of human body and basics of normal and abnormal behaviors; 2.1.2- Demonstrate molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms important in maintaining homeostasis; 2.1.3- Outline the immune system and the different defense mechanisms against injury and disease; 2.1.4- Describe the causative organisms of all diseases that may affect the human body including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites stressing on methods of its isolation and identification and methods of infection control. 2.1.5- Identify the aetiology, genetics, pathology and prognosis of all physical and mental diseases in humans, laying stress on community health problems; 2.1.6- Describe pharmacological principles of treatment using drugs, their efficacy in the management and symptomatic relief of diseases, and their adverse reactions, stating different modalities of pain relieve and palliative treatment including care of life threatening illnesses and terminally ill diseases; 2.1.7- Recognize principles of disease surveillance and screening, disease prevention, early detection of common community health problems, principles of healthcare planning, and

prioritization of services environmental & industrial health hazards, communicable disease control, health promotion and rehabilitation; 2.1.8- Develop epidemiological principles of demography and biological variability and how population-based approaches to health care services can improve medical practice 2.1.9-Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of medico legal aspect of medical practice and intervention and recognize the basis of clinical toxicology; 2.1.10- Consider the legal responsibilities of the medical profession and the competencies of defining the medical ethics based on an Islamic view; 2.1.11- Recognize basics of health and safety procedures during practical and clinical years; 2.1.12- Describe different types of diseases related to all body systems and ways of management at all age groups . 2.1.13- Recognize principles of Obstetrics/Gynecology and principles of family planning; 2.1.14- Understand basis of surgical conditions and their management including basic preand post operative care and non invasive and invasive available intervention ; 2.1.15-Describe causes and mechanisms of diseases related to Oto-rhino-laryngology and define the proper management; 2.1.16- Identify the aetiology of diseases related to Ophthalmology and describe its proper management; 2.1.17-Identify, diagnose and manage common acute and chronic neonatal, infant, childhood and adolescent healthcare problems and preventive pediatrics; 2.1.18- Describe aging process and principles of geriatric medicine; 2.1.19-Understand the principles of musculoskeletal biomechanics and replacement therapy as well as physical methods used in the investigation, evaluation and diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases and disability; 2.1.20-Recognize the principles of non-pharmacological therapies including psychotherapies. 2.1.21-Understand basic Islamic Jurisprudence and other related religious subjects that can ascertain good medical practice; 2.1.22-Acquire appropriate level of English language that enables them for learning and practicing medicine efficiently. 2.2- Intellectual Skills: Graduates attaining basic medical education should develop Intellectual skills that enable them to: 2.2.1- Integrate basic anatomical, histological, biochemical and physiological facts with clinical data; 2.2.2-Analyze interpret, and objectively evaluate data obtained from patients history and physical findings for choosing the appropriate diagnostic procedures required; 2.2.3- Identify the appropriate investigations required for diagnosis; 2.2.4- Interpret medical evidence, use analytical thinking in problem-solving and apply decision making skills for appropriate management of common acute and chronic conditions taking into consideration the social status of the patient; 2.2.5- Apply principles of scientific research and recognize the importance of rigour in collecting, analyzing and interpreting data; 2.2.6- Recognize different elements of risk assessments ( to select appropriate tests for
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detecting patients at risk for specific diseases or in the early stage of disease), and to determine strategies for responding appropriately. 2.2.7- Demonstrate their ability to recognize and cope with uncertainty by: accepting that uncertainty is unavoidable in the practice of medicine; Using appropriate cognitive and intellectual strategies to deal with uncertainty when it arises.

2.3- Professional and Practical Skills: Graduates attaining basic medical education should develop Professional and Practical skills that enable them to: 2.3.1- Demonstrate essential practical skills in basic sciences. 2.3.2- Take accurate and organized, patient-centered, sensitive, structured and relevant medical history. 2.3.3- Perform accurate relevant and systematic physical and mental state examination in a sensitive manner, appropriate for age, gender, culture and clinical condition; 2.3.4- Communicate properly with patients, their relatives, colleagues, nurses, other health professionals and the community; 2.3.5- Define problems and formulate a differential diagnosis; 2.3.6- Produce and maintain recent, legible and accurate records for patients under their care; 2.3.7-Give advice on health promotion and diseases prevention and control; 2.3.8-Evaluate the health needs of patients with chronic illness and disability; 2.3.9-Choose the best cost-effective diagnostic measures and the proper treatment. 2.3.10-Work out drug dosage based on patient's weight, age, and health condition and write safe prescriptions of different types of drugs. 2.3.11- Recognize and manage effectively and efficiently different emergency conditions including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation; 2.3.12-Perform simple intervention and basic medical procedures 2.3.13-Make clinical decisions based upon evidence and findings; 2.3.14- Plan an appropriate management strategies for patients; Graduates at the end of the house officer year should be competent in performing the following: 2.3.15- Practice the procedures learnt during undergraduate in real situations 2.3.16- Perform venepuncture and collect blood samples 2.3.17- Insert a cannula into peripheral veins 2.3.18- Give intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous injections 2.3.19- Perform suturing of superficial wounds. 2.3.20- Demonstrate competency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life-support 2.3.21- Administer compulsory childhood, maternal and international vaccines 2.3.22- Perform basic bedside tests 2.3.23- Perform and interpret ECG 2.3.24- Administer basic oxygen therapy 2.3.25- Use a nebulizer (inhalation therapy) correctly 2.3.26- Insert a nasogastric tube 2.3.27- Perform bladder catheterization
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2.3.28- Perform procedure of normal labor 2.3.29- Adopt suitable measures for infection control 2.4- General and Transferable Skills: Graduates attaining basic medical education should develop General and Transferable skills that enable them to: 2.4.1- Search through medical data base and adopt the principles of self-directed lifelong learning; 2.4.2-Use updated information technology resources to be independent thinkers and selflearners; 2.4.3- Work effectively within a team. 2.4.4-Practice effectively in a continually changing and developing environment; 2.4.5-Present information clearly in written, electronic and oral forms, and communicates ideas and arguments effectively; 2.4.6- Effectively manage time and resources and set priorities; 2.4.7- Identify the needs and expectations of patients; 2.4.8-Solve problems related to patients, work management, and among colleagues. 2.4.9-Improve their linguistic capabilities and computer related skills; 2.4.10- Show leadership skills when appropriate; 2.4.11- Study topics in depth. 2.4.12- analyze and use numerical data (use simple statistical methods). 2.4.13- Evaluate their work and that of others using constructive feedback. 2.5- Values and Attitude: Graduates after attainment of basic medical education should acquire the attitude that enables them to: 2.5.1-Behave ethically and professionally and be committed to their Islamic principles; 2.5.2-Respect human beings rights irrespective of diversity; 2.5.3-Cope with situations where communication is difficult including breaking bad news. 2.5.4-Show compassion to the patients and their relatives in situations of stress and grief. 2.5.5-Acquire a respectable appearance and performance; 2.5.6- Apply the main principles of medical ethics and be able to explain the reasoning behind a decision; 2.5.7- Respect the role of other healthcare professionals; 2.5.8-Recognize the limits of their professional competence; 2.5.9-Work with colleagues in the ways that best serve patients interests.

Curriculum Model
The school curriculum is derived from the content of all medical sciences individually and in a parallel way. The undergraduate programme of education provides general education that prepares the students for all career options in medicine. It is a discipline based six-year curriculum, followed by twelve months Pre-Registration House Officer (PRHO) period in the university and community hospitals in order to be licensed for practicing medicine. Al-Azhar University, as a major Islamic institution is unique in studying an extra curriculum dealing with science from an Islamic perspective. This issue is clearly presented in the school's mission and objectives. Its outline curriculum includes studying of basic Islamic sciences in all its faculties. In the medical school, Islamic studies are included in the first four years; these studies include Qur'an as a basic subject taught throughout the four years together with other related Islamic subjects, ethics and jurisprudence. These subjects are: . The curriculum is divided into three phases; phase one: first and second years of medicine (the preliminary phase), phase two: the third year of medicine (the intermediate phase). Both phases cover the basic medical sciences and the preclinical years. Phase three: the fourth, fifth and sixth years of medicine (the final phase), where students start their clinical clerkships. Islamic related subjects are studied in the first four years, they are taught in Arabic. English language and humanity and behavioral sciences are studied in the first and second years while computer is studied in the first year only. All medical courses are studied in English. A wide variety of instructional methods are used. These include: lectures, tutorial classes, practical training in the laboratories and museum, clinical in-patient and outpatient rounds, and research work. In the academic phases (I & II) the students study the following basic science courses: Physiology, Anatomy and Embryology, Biochemistry, Histology in phase I, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology and Immunology and Parasitology in phase II. The behavioral and social science courses within the faculty medical educational programme are: community medicine and public health, forensic medicine and medical psychology. They are taught in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th years of the educational programme. In the public health courses, students study the basics of health administration, management and communication, communicable and non-communicable diseases prevention as part of epidemiology course Medical ethics and jurisprudence are integrated in the forensic medicine course as well as religious subjects.

Clinical sciences and their applicable clinical skills are taught starting from the fourth year through the sixth year. Medical students study Ophthalmology, Oto-rhinolaryngology, Community Medicine and Public Health and Forensic Medicine during the fourth year. During the fifth year, they study General Medicine and Specialties, and Pediatrics. Through the final sixth year they are taught General Surgery and Specialties, Obstetrics and Gynecology. The teaching methods consist of traditional lectures and clinical rounds. During clinical rounds different clinical skills as history taking, physical examination, investigations, differential diagnosis, management and communication are taught and acquired. During clinical clerkship, students interact with different patients, and they are required to interact with different situations. Their tutors and staff members serve as role models. Teaching starts daily at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., The details of the subjects, which are taught through these six years, are demonstrated in the following table which represents the actual percentage of theoretical, practical and clinical courses in each discipline.

No. of Study hours/week Subject Year Theoretic al Anatomy and Embryology First year 5 Clinical

Methods of Teaching

Lectures and dissection lab and museum Lectures and lab Lectures and lab Lectures and lab Lectures

Physiology

First year

Histology

First year

Biochemistry

First year

English (but not for foreigner students) Holy Quran Creed and Ethics

First year

___

First year First year

1 2

___ ___

Lectures Lectures

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No. of Study hours/week Subject Year Theoretic al Islamic jurisprudence Computer Anatomy and Embryology First year 2 Clinical

Methods of Teaching

___

Lectures

First year Second year

1 4

1 6

Lectures Lectures and dissection lab and museum Lectures and lab Lectures and lab Lectures and lab Lectures

Physiology

Second year Second year Second year Second year Second year

Histology

Biochemistry

Human behavioral sciences English(but not for foreigner students) Holy Quran

___

___

Lectures

Second year Second year Third year

___

Lectures

Islamic history

___

Lectures

Pathology

Lectures, lab and museum Lectures and lab Lectures and lab Lectures and lab

Pharmacology

Third year

Microbiology and Immunology Parasitology

Third year

Third year

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No. of Study hours/week Subject Year Theoretic al Holy Quran Interpretation of Qur'an Ophthalmology Third year Third year 1 1 Clinical

Methods of Teaching

___ ___

Lectures Lectures

Fourth year

2 months/yea r

Lectures and inpatient and outpatient clinical rounds. Lectures and community visits Lectures/ clinical rounds

Otolaryngology

Fourth year

1 month/year

Community and Public Health

Fourth year

2 months/yea r 2 months/yea r ___

Forensic Medicine and Toxicology

Fourth year

Lectures

Medical ethics based on Islamic principles Holy Quran

Fourth year

Lectures

Fourth year Fourth year Fifth year

___

Lectures

Hadith (prophets sayings) General Medicine and Specialties

___

Lectures

8 months/yea r

Lectures and inpatient and outpatient clinical rounds Inpatient and outpatient clinical rounds Lectures and

Pediatrics

Fifth year

3 months/yea r 8

Surgery and

Sixth year

9 12

No. of Study hours/week Subject Year Theoretic al Specialties Clinical

Methods of Teaching

months/yea r

inpatient and outpatient clinical rounds Lectures and inpatient and outpatient clinical rounds

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Sixth year

4 months/yea r

The academic year is thirty-six weeks starting in mid-September and ending in mid-June. It includes a midyear vacation for two weeks in January. Final exam begins in May and ends by the end of June. Phase I and II are not semester based, while the last three clinical years are divided in blocks in term of weeks. Pre-registration training include house officer position which represents the linking period (1 year long) between undergraduate medical education and the post graduate subsequent stage of training and practice. The house officer spends this year as intern rotating among different departments. They spend two months, by rotation, in General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and General Medicine departments then they have to select one special medicine course for two months, and another two months in a special surgery during which they choose among different branches that suit their interest and career options. During this year they are involved in direct patient care, examination, diagnosis, requesting different investigations. They have the opportunity to deal with different medical and surgical emergency situations. They participate in daily patients rounds and practice different surgical procedures. All these activities are under the supervision of residents. Adequate performance is essential for the completion of the round. This year can be spent either in the School University or in other Ministry of Health Hospitals.

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