برنامج الدبلوم المهني في اختصاص طب الأسرة

Professional Diploma in Family Medicine

Brief Introduction

 

Background

A good functioning primary health care is needed to strengthen health care systems and improve the health of the population. In fact, the value of using a family practice-based approach in strengthening primary health care is well recognized at the global, regional, and country levels. This is due to the pivotal role that family physicians can play in improving coverage and quality of care. The World Health Organization office in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO-EMRO) adopted the concept of family practice for the effective and efficient delivery of primary health care services and for achieving Universal Health Coverage. However, the total number of family physicians in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and the Arab countries is significantly low compared to an international standard of at least three family physicians per 10000 population.

 

Overview of the Diploma

The Regional Professional Diploma in Family Medicine is targeting general physicians practicing in the EMR and Arab countries. It aims at equipping them with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are needed to provide comprehensive, continuous and appropriate health care to individuals and families. Its curriculum is mapped to the competencies of Family Medicine/General Practitioner doctor as defined by the World Organization of Family Doctors  (WONCA), the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and those of the College of Family Physicians of Canada for the specialty of Family Medicine. Family physicians affiliated with well-renowned academic institutions in the region developed the content materials and assessment tools of the diploma.

The diploma is delivered by the Arab Board of Health Specializations (ABHS) and WHO-EMRO in collaboration with WONCA-EMR, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

 

Why to get the Regional Professional Diploma in Family Medicine?

- You will update your medical knowledge and clinical skills.

- You can study for the diploma while working.

- After successfully completing the diploma, you will have the opportunity to be recognized as a Specialist in Family Medicine after completing two additional years of supervised clinical work and passing the Arab Board of Health Specializations’ certifying examinations.

- You will have the opportunity to meet other doctors from different countries and share experiences.

 

Delivery Method

The training is delivered in a blended format using a mix of online (self-directed, instructions, discussions) and face-to-face (teaching, discussions) clinical training with academic and supervisory support by tutors  who are experts in family medicine. The online component will be delivered through Moodle, a well-known Learning Management System (LMS) and Zoom platform.  The face-to-face component will be conducted in accredited training centers by the ABHS or national boards.

 

Duration

The diploma runs over two years (24 months). It is divided into eight terms with two blocks per term (each block spans over a six-week period).

 

Programme Outline

The training programme is designed for primary care physicians, providing them with the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to deliver compassionate, effective, and evidence-based health care to individuals within their families and communities.

Learners need to complete eight core modules:

- Module 1- Family Medicine Concepts and Practice

- Module 2- Non-Communicable Diseases

- Module 3- Mental Health

- Module 4- Adult health: Common Medical and Surgical Problems

- Module 5- Women’s Health

- Module 6- Children & Adolescent Health

- Module 7- Elderly Health

- Module 8- Family Medicine in Special Contexts

 

Eligibility Criteria

General physicians who fit the below criteria are eligible to apply for the diploma. They need to have:

- At least five years of experience after earning medical degree.

- At least three years of practice (out of the five years) in primary health care centers accredited by ABHS or approved by the local/national government (ministry of health).

- Valid License to practice medicine.

- Proficiency in English language and use of the computer.

 

Admission process

Applicants need to:

- Submit the following documents: Curriculum Vitae, Personal statement, Certified original copy of the medical degree, a valid medical practice license, an employment/reference letter, a copy of identification card, and a photo.

A committee composed of experts in Family Medicine will review all applications. Accepted applicants need to register in the training programme through an accredited training center (by the ABHS or national boards) in their respective countries.

 

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the two-year training programme are 2255 USD. This covers registration, online access, training materials, webinars, clinical supervision and mentoring, and exams’ fees.  

Scholarships are available for a limited period of time.

 

Accreditation and Recognition

The diploma is recognized by the Arab Board of Health Specializations.

 

Diploma Intakes

There are two intakes per year for the diploma: during the months of April and October.