When it comes to maintaining good overall health for a long period of time, regular visits to a healthcare provider are inevitable. Having a trusted family physician who understands one’s health concerns can make a world of difference, especially in monitoring symptoms and taking preventative measures. Studies have shown that receiving continuous primary care leads to longer, healthier lives and happier patients.
For doctors, it is important to keep abreast of the latest challenges affecting primary care, including patient-doctor relationship, community health, and the issues related to healthcare equity. This is the impetus behind the University of Nicosia (UNIC) Medical School’s online Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Family Medicine (MScFM).
If you are a practising medical doctor, this online programme is the right path for you if you want to expand your knowledge in patient care, especially if you want to transition from your specialisation to family medicine. Since the programme is designed for doctors with a busy schedule, the MScFM offers the flexibility of a part-time option of up to four academic years.
Dr Intisar Alghurabi, who is of the 2019 student cohort, appreciates the programme’s convenient structure. “The MScFM is a well-taught distance learning programme by recognised academics delivered at a flexible pace, something that suits my busy professional life,” she says.
“In addition, it gives me the ability to choose my own pathway comfortably and at my own pace. The programme has enhanced my confidence as a doctor and has given me the opportunity to reach my full potential,” adds Dr Alghurabi. “It is definitely one of the best decisions I have made so far in my career as a doctor.”
An internationally-recognised degree for global practice
A postgraduate qualification from UNIC Medical School comes with many professional advantages that will enhance your clinical practice. Apart from improved knowledge in primary care, the online MScFM is a European Union-recognised degree developed in coordination with the UK Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), adhering to the highest curriculum and assessment standards.
“Family medicine is one of the most challenging of all the medical specialties. Ιt involves looking after most of the patients with most of the problems most of the time and therefore needs a really high-quality education,” explains Sir David Haslam, Professor of General Practice and former Chair of UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, NICE.
“The Postgraduate Diploma at the University of Nicosia Medical School offers high-quality education for people who are going to take on the challenging work involved in primary care family medicine.”
The MScFM’s prestige was further enhanced when it was featured in the May 2019 issue of the British Journal of General Practice, a leading international journal for family doctors. As such, a competent family doctor trained in people-centred patient care at UNIC Medical School will be high in demand no matter where they practise.
The rigorous programme consists of 12 modules, mapped against the core competencies of a qualified practitioner as defined by the World Organisation of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations (WONCA) of Family Medicine.
The first two semesters are clinically-oriented, while semester three offers students more opportunities to develop their research skills.
Students who successfully complete the first two semesters and do not wish to continue with the third semester will receive the Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine (PG) will still be awarded even if they do not continue with a third semester. Furthermore, those meeting the RCGP’s clinical experience eligibility criteria may sit for the international MRCGP exam in Cyprus, which can lead to an International Membership in the UK Royal College of General Practitioners.
Improve your clinical practice at UNIC Medical School
UNIC’s unparalleled quality in distance learning has earned the university a rare triple recognition for excellence in online learning: it is recognised by the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU), the European Foundation for Quality in e-Learning (EFQUEL), and it is the first university in the continent to earn a five-star rating for distance learning by QS Stars, a leading global university-rating agency.
Dr Christos Hadjicostas, class of 2019, feels very satisfied with his decision to pursue his MScFM at UNIC, despite having years of experience in healthcare under his belt. “The programme was excellent and pursuing it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made,” he says.
“I unreservedly recommend the MScFM to every GP,” he says. I can also say that my practice has increased in volume since I completed the course. Patients today are able to cross-reference information online and are in a better position to realise if their doctor is up-to-date with medical developments.”
Find out how you can join a team of high-calibre doctors in family medicine at UNIC Medical School by clicking here.
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