Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Fellowship Programme

The Fellowship Programme in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism has been reviewed and approved by the Postgraduate Medical Education Committee of the University, and started from November 2001. The programme is design ed to develop fully trained endocrinologists who would serve as specialists in the field. This is the first postgraduate training programme in Endocrinology in Pakistan .

Objective

The main objective of Endocrinology Fellowship Programme is to produce fully trained Endocrinologists, who at the end of their training programme are able to diagnose and treat common endocrine disorders in a cost-effective manner. He/she will be able to understand and utilise endocrine function testing, static and dynamic, in those suspected of endocrine disorders. The fellow learns to manage endocrine disorders in special circumstances like pre-adolescent and adolescent life, pregnancy and menopause, infertility, etc. S/he develops the skill of performing fine needle aspiration/thyroid needle biopsy. The fellow develops research acumen and know-how to find answers to questions that arise in the field of Endocrinology, and also to be a good teacher for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Duration of training

The duration of training is two years, which also involves short rotations in various sub-specialties like Neuro-radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Chemical Pathology, Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility and Paediatric Endocrinology. The training also incorporates specified period for research.

Eligibility

• MBBS or equivalent degree approved by the PM&DC
• One year of house job or internship, of which six months should be in Medicine and allied and six months in Surgery and allied disciplines
• Three years approved training in Internal Medicine
• FCPS, MRCP, Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine or equivalent postgraduate qualification

The selection process is based purely on merit.

Scope and content

Clinical training

The programme heavily emphasises clinical training and practical skills development.

Year 1

It involves weekly outpatient clinics in Diabetes and Endocrinology for nine to ten months; Inpatient endocrine consultation service for four months. At the end of year one, the fellow rotates in Chemical Pathology and Neuro- radiology/Nuclear Medicine.

Year 2

This year involves outpatient clinic in Diabetes and Endocrinology for six months. The fellow is also rotated through Paediatric Endocrinology and Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility. In this year there is an option of two months of electives within or outside Pakistan in an Endocrine unit.

Didactic content

The fellow is expected to take part in all academic activities of the section, which involve weekly clinical conferences, journal clubs, research meetings, etc. In addition, weekly sessions are conducted to cover core/common topics in Endocrinology.

Research

Two months dedicated time has been allocated for research in Year 1 and three months in Year 2 in which the fellow is expected to do research and present his/her work in international/national meetings and subsequently publish it.

Evaluation

A continuous evaluation process will be carried out throughout the course of training. In addition to informal continuous evaluation and feedback by supervising faculty, there will be three-monthly formal evaluations followed by a feedback to outline the areas of strength and weakness. There is an ‘End of Year I MCQ examination'. These form the basis of promotion and career guidance.

Positions available

Two positions are available every year. There will be four fellows in training in the Endocrine Section at one time.

Administrative set-up

The Endocrine section of the Department of Medicine comprises of four full-time faculty members. Presently two are Professors, one an Associate Professor and one an Assistant Professor. In addition the Endocrine section has three dedicated part-time faculty members as well. Dr Abdul Jabbar, Professor of Medicine, heads the Endocrine section, while the Fellowship Programme Director is Dr Najmul Islam, Professor of Medicine.

Full-time Faculty

Professors

Dr Abdul Jabbar
MBBS Karachi ; FRCP London

Dr Jaweed Akhter
MBBS UK ; ABIM FRCP Edinburgh; FACP USA
Diplomate American Boards of Internal Medicine and Medical Education

Dr Najmul Islam
MBBS Karachi ; FRCP London

Assistant Professor

Dr Qamar Masood
MBBS Karachi
Diplomate American Boards of Internal Medicine, Endicrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Part-time Faculty

Lecturer

Dr Aisha Sheikh
MBBS Punjab; FCPS

Dr M. Naeemul Haque
MBBS Punjab
Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine

Dr Saeed Maher
MBBS Sindh, FCPS Pakistan