Programmes in East Africa

Aga Khan University commenced Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) programmes at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya and Aga Khan University Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in 2004.

The following programmes are currently offered in Kenya:

• Anaesthesiology     
• Anatomic Pathology
• Clinical Pathology
• General Surgery
• Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology
• Internal Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Paediatrics and Child Health

Family Medicine is offered at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Dar es Salaam,Tanzania.

Goals and Objectives
PGME programmes consist of four years of training and examinations, leading to a Master of Medicine (MMed) degree. They attract candidates from across East Africa who are admitted on merit. 

The curriculum and training is developed to provide relevant and contextual learning for practice in Africa with the goal of nurturing specialists who will impact the development of health systems in their respective countries.

Directors undertake administration for each residency programme. They are answerable to the Department Chairperson as well as the Director who has responsibility for the overall PGME programmes and is accountable to the Associate Dean of Education.

Each programme has a standing residency training committee for planning, organising and supervising purposes. In addition to the Director, the committee consists of other faculty members as well as a resident representative. A Postgraduate Medical Education Committee oversees the functioning of the residency committees.

Evaluation of Resident's Performance
Evaluation of performance is based on assessment of expected competencies. Workplace-based assessment that involves a process of constructive positive interaction between the learner and a member of faculty is used to give feedback that builds medical expertise, effective communication, team work and professionalism. Leadership skills, health advocacy and scholarly activity are equally recognised.

Written, oral and practical/skills examinations are administered as part of the continuous in-training as well as final assessments.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the programmes must hold the MBChB degree or equivalent medical qualification that is acceptable to the Aga Khan University and the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB) or the Medical Council of Tanganyika (MCT). They must be registered or be eligible for registration with the KMPDB or MCT and must have completed one year of internship.

Application Process
These positions are advertised in local and regional newspapers in the first half of July each year. A letter of application and other requirements are clearly stated in the advertisement. These must be received by the date stipulated.

The programme commences in January each year. An application fees is charged. The cost of education is supported entirely by the University; and furthermore, residents are paid a salary. However, examination fees are charged. These training programmes accept students from countries in East Africa and the surrounding region. Admission is merit-based. Only short-listed candidates are contacted. Selection interviews are normally held during the second half of August each year. The 2012 intake selection process has been concluded.