Paediatric Surgery Residency Programme

A training programme in Paediatric Surgery was initiated in November 1996. The CPSP recognises the programme for FCPS (Paediatric Surgery) Examination.

Objective

The objective of the residency programme in Paediatric Surgery is to produce compassionate, ethical, clinically competent, and skilled paediatric surgeons for Pakistan . It is expected that graduates of this programme will serve as advocates for children, will help to improve paediatric health care and provide academic leadership in the specialty.

Duration of training

The programme offers training in the principles and practice of Paediatric Surgery over a period of four years. The primary institution for training purposes is AKUH. However, an external rotation of two/three months through other national hospitals is included to diversify the resident's experience.

Eligibility

• MBBS or equivalent degree approved by PM&DC
• FCPS Part I or FCPS in General Surgery
• A minimum two years of training in General Surgery in an accredited programme. Candidate must have completed the CPSP requirements for the intermediate module examination

The positions are advertised nationally and the Paediatric Surgery Programme Committee and relevant AKU faculty interview short listed candidates.

References are obtained via confidential telephone calls and letters from those considered knowledgeable about the candidate.

Scope and content

Clinical teaching

The programme employs adult teaching practices as well as clinical and operative experience under appropriate supervision, to assist the resident in acquiring the requisite knowledge, skills, and judgment to manage common paediatric surgical conditions in infants and children. Over the years, he/she will be given increasing responsibilities under appropriate supervision, in all aspects of the management of neonates, infants, and children with surgical conditions. He/she will be encouraged to develop a habit of inquiry and self-learning.

The resident will organise the care of Paediatric Surgery patients with the consultants and will participate in the education and training of general surgery and paediatric residents, interns, and medical students rotating through the section.

The resident will be provided when appropriate protected half-day each week for scholarly activities. He/she will be expected to make presentations at national meetings, surgical grand rounds, journal club and initiate clinical studies, leading to publications in index journals. The resident will be encouraged to pass the FCPS Part II (Paediatric Surgery) during the last year of training.

Evaluation

The resident's progress in knowledge, clinical, and operative skills and ethical management of patients is evaluated on a continuous basis by the faculty involved in the training. Formal evaluation of the resident's progress is undertaken every six months at general meeting of the Paediatric Surgery faculty. The resident is debriefed following each session by the coordinator of the programme.

Competence in Paediatric Surgery is judged every year via written, oral, and clinical examinations. An external examiner may be invited to participate in the final assessment.

Positions available

One or two resident are appointed every year.

Administrative set-up

The Paediatric Surgery faculty includes two Associate Professors and two part-time Lecturers, all of whom are directly involved in the training of the resident. The programme is directed by Dr Zafar Nazir, Associate Professor.

Full-time Faculty

Associate Professors

Dr Muhammad Arif Mateen Khan
MBBS DUHS, Karachi ; FRCS Glasgow; FRCS (Paeds. Surg)

Chief of Pediatric surgery

Dr Zafar Nazir
MBBS Punjab; FRCS Edinburgh and Glasgow ; FCPS, FACS Pakistan
Programme Director

Senior Instructor

Dr Saqib Qazi
MBBS Larkana; FCPS Pakistan

Part-time Faculty

Senior Lecturer

Dr Shabbir Hussain
MBBS Karachi ; FRCS Edinburgh

Lecturer

Dr Muhammad Arshad
MBBS Punjab; FRCS Glasgow and Edinburgh