— PHOTO: M. VEDHAN

JOINING HANDS: Sri Ramachandra University Vice-Chancellor S. Rangaswami (left) exchanging MoU documents with head of the Royal College of Physicians Neil Dewhurst in Chennai on Friday.

CHENNAI: Sri Ramachandra University (SRU) based here has become the first examination centre in the country for the Part II clinical examination for the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed on Friday by S. Rangaswami, Vice-Chancellor of SRU, and Neil Dewhurst, head of the Royal College of Physicians in London and Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (U.K.), in the presence of senior officials of the university. It will be only the fourth such centre in South Asia, the other centres being Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

Pilot examination

A pilot examination was held a few days ago at the university with `junior doctors-in-training' from Pakistan, Australia and Britain taking the examination.

The examination is in two parts — theory and practical. The theory part is held in 26 countries, and the clinical (practical) examination in nine countries. Those who pass the theory paper can go for the skills tests.

Anyone with an MBBS degree and 18 months' experience can appear for Part I . SRU was chosen for its infrastructure and facilities, its skillset, laboratories and support staff, said Dr. Dewhurst. "We have no plans to expand outside Chennai," he said in reply to a query.

The qualification is internationally recognised, but in countries like the United States a doctor may have to undergo other tests before being allowed to practise there. "Across the globe over 25,000 doctors take the exams that set a trainee on the road to higher medical training."

The university also had a "nucleus of fellows on whom the MRCP programme designers could rely on for their drive and enthusiasm," he said. The Royal College of Physicians is also hoping to launch a computer-based examination for specialists seeking its registration, Dr. Dewhurst said. Starting a centre in Chennai will enable candidates to get around the visa restrictions imposed by the British government. At present the number of doctors applying for MRCP from India runs to hundreds each year. With a centre in Chennai it may become possible to satisfy the demand, Dr. Dewhurst said.

Examiners

A few doctors, including Georgi Abraham, Professor of Medicine, have been trained as examiners.

Three to four examiners from the U.K. and examiners from other States will evaluate the candidates.

The three-day examination will be conducted twice a year, and 45 doctors will be allowed to take the examination.

Real-time

It involves real-time clinical examination on real patients, and testing doctors in their communication skills, empathy and support to patients and their relatives.

In the 150-minute test, examiners will assess the doctors on their approach to patients in a variety of situations.

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