Introduction

AKU PGME programmes aim to provide training of the highest quality, to lead to the emergence of a qualified academic professional who comes up to the highest professional standards of his/her chosen specialty and at the same time has developed into a humane, communicative and practical individual. The stress is on the acquisition not only of medical skills and knowledge but equally so on the development of professionalism, a scientifically rigorous mind and the skills of managing one's professional life.

Foundations of AKU Programmes

First of all is the presence and continuous improvement of the physical infrastructure of the University. This translates into the availability of most of the investigative, diagnostic and therapeutic equipment needed for the practice of modern medicine. Aga Khan University has state-of-the-art equipment for most of the specialties and indeed, some of the facilities available here are the only ones in the country. The laboratories of the University Hospital have become the national benchmark in their field.

This entire physical infrastructure will not achieve its targets, were it not for our faculty and staff. They form the real rubric of the PGME programmes. Our faculty is highly experienced, committed to teaching and takes pride in its teaching role.

There is no doubting the excellence of individual teachers and though individuals make a difference, PGME requires that all programmes meet the same standards. This is only possible if there is a system in place that ensures the desired outcomes.

Governance of Postgraduate Medical Education

This is the role of the PGME Executive Committee under the leadership of the Associate Dean. Its work ensures that our system of post-graduate medical education establishes internationally acceptable criteria, meets all the requirements of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan, establishes clearly stated goals, puts in place plans of teaching with a clearly stated syllabus and regularly monitors itself ensuring transparency in all aspects and continuous professional development.

It is through the rigorous application of this process that AKU programmes achieve excellence and continue to improve themselves.

The Postgraduate Medical Education Executive Committee (PGME EC), under the leadership of the Associate Dean, comprises of representatives from clinical departments and resident representatives. It meets regularly once a month and discusses all the issues related to postgraduate medical education, takes policy decisions and plans for the future.