School of Medicine

Since its inception in 1990, The Ahfad School of Medicine adopted a holistic approach to medicine to promote the concept of health promotion, disease prevention, cure and rehabilitation. It is also concerned with the globally accepted concept of health for all through provision of primary health care for individuals and families where they live and work.

The School’s concept and philosophy necessitates the adherence to valid concepts of education using modern trends and effective methods with flexibility. The curriculum is based on blocks or modules of organs systems and themes. During the whole programme problem based learning is used.

The School also adheres to a student-centered approach with emphasis on self-learning to develop in the students the ability and willingness to pursue their own learning after graduation.

A continuous system of evaluation of the programme and assessment of students is carried out, with emphasis on the results of service and research. External examiners and evaluators are used as needed. At the end of each module or course, there is an examination and at the end of every year, there is an examination before proceeding to the next year. The student’s assessment will be described with each course or module or block.

The curriculum consists of three phases as follows:

Phase I
Phase II
Phase III

Phase I consists of 2 semesters (36 weeks). General science and humanities relevant to medicine: elements of basic medical sciences; Introduction to community and medical study.

Objectives

Students are expected to:

• Attain a level in science and English language to enable them to the start their medical studies. In addition to the general sciences related medicine, the study will include some basic elements (like biochemistry and microbiology) as well as medical statistics, medical sociology, genetics, etc.
• Develop basic scientific approach attitude.
• Develop basic laboratory skills.

Subjects of Semester I

• English
• Behavioral Sciences
• Community Medicine Including Medical Statistics
• Radiation Physics
• Organic Chemistry & Basic Biochemistry
• Human Biology

Assessment of students will be carried at the end of the semester in the form of written and practical examinations in addition to continuous assessment.

Semester II (18 Weeks)

During this time, the students will learn the Introductory Module, during which the students are exposed to the basic subjects of medicine; these include the following:

• Introduction to General Human Anatomy
• Histology of Human Tissues
• General Physiology
• General Microbiology & Immunology
• General Biochemistry
• General Pathology
• Basic Pharmacology
• Principles of Problem-Based Learning

At the end of the semester, the students assessment will consists of:

• Written examination
• Continuous assessment
• Practical examination
• Oral examination when necessary.

Longitudinal Courses

These course include family attachment (FMA); basic clinical skills (BCS) and lab-skills, health centres, outpatient departments and community development

The sequence will be such that as the study of the basic sciences decrease that of the clinical sciences increases throughout the program with basic sciences still contributing to the teaching and examination in later years. Approximately 1/5 of the time will be allocated to family and community medicine throughout all three (3) phases.

Phase II consists of 4 semesters. During this phase normal and abnormal structure, function and behaviour with clinical application and methods at the level of individual, family and community in an integrated fashion using problem solving approach is used.

Objectives

The student shall:

• Explain the basic mechanisms (structure, function, pathophysiology, psychosocioculture) of the major health problems and skeleton; plan their management with special references relevant investigations and advise to patients, their families and the community.
• Follow a teamwork and scientific approach throughout the process of problem solving, clinical and community methods and research.

List of Modules

1 — Introductory Module (IM)
2 — Reproductive & Early Development
3 — Endocrine and Metabolism (EM)
4 — Blood and Lymphatic System (BLS)
5 — Respiratory (RS)
6 — Cardiovascular (CVS)
7 —- Urinary (US)
8 — Gastrointestinal (GIS)
9 — Musculoskeletal (MSS)
10 —- Nervous System (NS)
11 — Skin and Integument (SI)

In Phase II, during semester I & II, the following modules will be the focus of learning will be the following modules:

1 — Endocrine Module
Duration of learning will be six weeks during which the students will study the endocrine glands of the human body. The study aims at an integrated problem based learning of the various clinical pictures commonly facing the doctor. At the end of the six weeks, the students are assessed through the same methods of written papers, continuous performance assessment and an objective structured practical examination (OSPE).

2 — Reproductive Module
During of learning this module is six weeks including the assessment period. The study of the module hopes to enable the students understand the development and structure of human tissues and grasp the physiology of pregnancy and childbirth. This entails an introduction to the basic study of normal and complicated pregnancy, normal and abnormal labor and safe puerperium together with other problems of reproduction. At the end of the six weeks, there is an assessment of the students consisting of written, practical and continuous assessment.

3 — Haemopoetic and Lymphatic System
Duration: 6 Weeks
Learning Time: 180 Hours
Assessment Time: 12 Hours

This module deals with the normal and abnormal structure and function of the haeomopetic and lymphatic system designed to equip the students with common aspects of this system in order to predict the consequences of its abnormalities. The study of the modules involves the Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology and Pathology of the system in addition to some important and common clinical problems. At the end of the module, the students are assessed as in other modules.

4 — Respiratory Module
Duration: 6 Weeks
Learning Time: 180 Hours
Assessment Time: 12 Hours

The study of this module is to acquaint the student with the basic structure and function of the respiratory system and the aetiology and pathogenesis of diseases affecting it. At the end of the module, the students are assessed through a written examination including problem solving, continuous assessment and a practical examination.

5 — Cardiovascular System Module
Duration: 6 Weeks
Learning Time: 180 Hours
Assessment Time: 12 Hours

This Module hopes to furnish the student with a full understanding of this system and the basic mechanisms and factors in the Cardiovascular diseases so that a physician is able to deal with them including prevention and control. The content of the module includes the Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Pathology of the system. In addition, it includes the common clinical problems of this system in the community and the individual. The assessment of the students is carried at the end of the module in the form of written examination, continuous assessment and practical examination (OSPE).

6 — Kidney and Urinary System Module
Duration: 6 Weeks
Learning Time: 180 Hours
Assessment Time:12 Hours

During the study of this module, the student is exposed to realize the importance of the kidney and urinary system of the human body. The students study the structure of this system, its function and the various abnormalities in function brought about by the various factors of disease like micro organisms and the other pathological changes encountered. The students learn during this module the various common problems of this system and the methods of its investigations. At the end of the module, the students are assessed through:

Written examinations.
Practical examination (OSPE).
Continuous assessment.

7 — Digestive System Module
Duration: 10 Weeks
Learning Time: 324 Hours
Assessment Time: 12 Hours

During the study of this system, the students learn the structure and function of the digestive system as well as some important aspects of disturbances that occur as a result of micro-organisms or other pathological processes. This system is particularly important in this country as it is associated with some common community health problem that can occur as epidemics or endemic diseases. At the end of the study of this module, the students are assessed through the various methods of assessment mentioned in the other modules.

8 — Musculoskeletal Module
Duration: 8 Weeks
Learning Time: 282 Hours
Assessment Time: 16 Hours

During the study of this module, the student learns the anatomy of this system, how it functions, how this function is affected by internal factors like disease and external factors of trauma and accidents. The effect of micro organisms and pathological processed are studied. At the same time, student learns during this time the common problems of this system and how to recognize them and the methods of prevention. At the end of the module, the students are assessed in the same way as the previous modules.

9 — The Nervous System Module
Duration: 10 Weeks
Learning Time: 282 Hours
Assessment Time: 16 Hours

During this time, the students are expected to learn all the important knowledge about this vital system. They learn the development of the system, its anatomical structure and its various functions and their adaptations to the external environment.
The process of disease and other factors affect this system in many ways and the students are expected to learn theses pathological processes and the common problems encountered and how to identify and diagnose them. At the end of the module, the students are assessed in same methods mentioned in the previous modules.

10 — Skin and Integuments Module
Duration: 4 Weeks
Learning Time: 132 Hours
Assessment Time: 12 Hours

During this module, the student learns the anatomy, physiology and the various biochemical processes related to the skin structure and function. They also learn the role of micro organisms and the various diseases and pathology of the skin.
At the end of the module, the students are assessed in the same manner of other modules. At the end of the academic year, the students who successfully pass their examinations in all modules will be promoted to Phase III.

Phase III consists of 6 semesters. During this phase, the students are expected to learn the management of all medical conditions through exposure during their clerkship and apprenticeship. During this phase, the students do the following rotations:

1 — Primary Care (12 Weeks)
2 — Internal Medicine (20 Weeks)
3 — Surgery (20 Weeks)
4 — Obstetrics & Gynaecology (13 Weeks)
5 — Paediatrics (13 Weeks)
6 — Psychiatry (4 Weeks)
7 — ENT (2 Weeks)
8 — Dermatology (2 Weeks)
9 — Ophthalmology (2 Weeks)
10 — Anasthaesiology (2 Weeks)
11 — Elective (4 Weeks)

During this phase the students rotate among the various health facilities in the primary, secondary and tertiary levels in block system. At the end of each block, the student has to be assessed and successfully pass before the end of that respective year assessment. At the end of each block, there is an examination and at the end of each year the student will not be promoted to the next year unless she passes all the required block examinations. At the end of the phase, the students will sit for the final qualifying examination. This examination will consist of:

• Continuous assessment 40 %
• Final examination : 60 %

The continuous assessment will be according to the performance of each student during the three years in the blocks.

The final examination consists of the following:

• Written examination
• Clinical examination
• Oral examination

FAP Is a longitudinal programme which starts in PHASE II of the curriculum, i.e. second, third and fourth years.
This programme aims at enabling the medical students to recognize the characteristics of the Sudanese family: their culture, attitudes, knowledge and practice towards health in state of health or disease.

Students are attached to families so as to follow up children and mothers (and other members) noting their growth and development, and maintaining records about their important events and personal information. They are expected to develop skills and commitment to educate patients and families about disease process, presentation and preventive as well as curative medicine.

During FAP the student visits the family on regular basis, at least four times a year. Interviews, observations, health education are the activities during the visits through interacting with the family members. Each visits takes about one hour. The home visit is the CORE of the programme. Besides these visits the programme consists of tutorials, FGDs, presentations and discussions of the family problems (self-learning / assignments) and occasional lectures:

• First year of the FAP (2nd year of Medical School) the student learns how to assess the family health needs focusing on the basic health messages.
• Second year of the FAP (3rd year of Medical School) the student will focus on the reproductive health.
• Third year of FAP (4th year of Medical School) the student will act according to her own assessment of the needs of the family.

At the end of each year, a workshop takes place in which all students of phase II will participate with their tutors to evaluate the programme.

Log book

Students should have a log book in which they record the activities, experiences and findings.

Assessment is based on:

• Attendance 30%
• Log book 30%
• Yearly report 30%
• Other activities 10%

Farouk A/ Aziz, MBBS University of Khartoum (1966), FRCOG UK (1972), MD University of Khartoum (1980). Professor, Dean. Joined AUW in 1990.
Abdel Rahman Kabbashi, MS.C (USA 1968), D.P.H& M.P.H. Professor. Joined AUW in 1992.
Abdel Salam Salih Eisa, FRCP (UK), Professor. Joined AUW in 1992.
Badr Eldin Khalid, MBBS Alexandria (1968), MD of Surgery (1982). Consultant Surgeon. Joined AUW in 1995.
Kamal Ahmed Mohamed, MBBS, University of Khartoum D.P.H Majoring Nutrition (1975). Professor of Human Nutrition. Joined AUW in 1996.
Tahir Abdel Rahman, FRCD, UK (1960). FRCS, UK (1956). FRCP, Glasgow (1965). FRCOG. Professor. Joined AUW in 1991.
Mohamed A.B. ElKhawaga, MBBS, - Diploma of Diagnostic Radiology, First medical institute Moscow USSR, (1974). Special Diploma in Chest Radiology, First Medical Institute Moscow, (1974). Master in GIT, Radiological Survey, Japan, Tokyo University (1997). Professor. Joined AUW in 1991.
Kamal Bushra, FRCP UK (1962). Professor of Surgery. Joined AUW in 1997.
A/Alla ElHarith, Ph.D. (Netherlands 1977). Professor. Joined AUW 1997.
Rashid El Tayeb, MBBS, Montpellier – France (1982), B.Sc., Gezira University (1986), DESS Sao Paulo - Brazil (1989), MSc DEA, Montpellier (1990), Ph.D1 Montpellier (1992), Ph.D2 Montpellier (1994), Post Doctoral Diploma, Sao Paulo (1995). Professor. Joined AUW in 1986.
Laila Ali Abdel Rahman, MBBS, University of Khartoum (1976), MD University of Khartoum (1983). Associate Professor. Joined AUW in 1995.
Dafalla Ibrahim Osman, B.V.Sc, University of Khartoum (1972), M.V.Sc University of Khartoum (1976), Ph.D, Sweden (1978). Professor. Joined AUW in 1994.
Harold Arvidson, B.A, Pennsylvania University, (1973), Ph.D. New York University, (1985). Professor. Joined AUW in 1993. Maha Ismail Mohamed, MBBS. MSc University of Khartoum (1995). Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 1993.
Amal Dardiry, CMD – Community Medicine, University of Khartoum, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Joined AUW in 2001.
Moawia Ali Hassan, MBBS, University of Khartoum (1979), University of Khartoum (2001). Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 1998.
Babiker Ashraf Badri, B.Sc., University of Khartoum (1994), MSc, Nigeria (1990), Ph.D. Aberdeen UK, (1998). Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 1984.
Samir Mohamed Ahmed, MBBS, Egypt (1980), MD University of Khartoum (2001). Lecturer Joined AUW in 1994.
Omayma Bashir Taha, MBBS, Al Fateh University (1987), MD Clinical Surgery University of Khartoum (1995). Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 1995.
Mustafa Khidir Mustafa Elnimeri, MB.Bch (Tanta University – Egypt, MD (U of K) 1992, Community Medicine. Joined AUW in 1992.

Samira Mohamed Mirghani, MBBS, University of Khartoum Clinical Medicine (1994), Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 2000.
El Bagir Hassan Abdella, MRCP, Royal collage (1989), Associated Professor Joined AUW in 1995.
Yassin Ibrahim ElTaif, MBBS, Gezira University (1991), MD American University of Beirut (2001). Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 1995.
Ahmed Awad El Gamal, B. Pharma (U of K 1984), Ph.D, University of Khartoum (1995). Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 2001.
Aziza Mustafa El Naeema, MBBS, University of Khartoum (1991), First Part MD Clinical Surgery (1994), MD Clinical Surgery (1998). Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 1998.
Mohamed Mustafa Ahmed, MBBS, Syria (1982), MD University of Khartoum (1994). Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 1995.
Salah Awad Abdel Halim, MBBS, Romania, Bucharest (1985), MSc, University of Khartoum (1997). Assistant Professor. Joined AUW in 1996.
Mohamed Eisa E.Moukhyer, MBBS, Romania, MSc, Netherlands (1997). Lecturer. Joined AUW in 1993.
Suliman Mohamed El Fadil, MBBC, Egypt (1984), Teaching Assistant. Joined AUW in 1993.
Balsam Abdel Rahman, MBBS, AUW (1996), MSc., Sheltield University UK, (2001). Lecturer. Joined AUW in 1996.
Niemat A. Malik, Diploma, Nursing Collage (1964), Administration Diploma (1979), Family Planning Diploma (1984), Sister. Joined AUW in 1994.
Manal Yousif Eldigair, MBBS, AUW, (1996). Teaching Assistant. Joined AUW in 1996.
Lamyaa Ahmed Mohamed, MBBS, AUW, (1996). Teaching Assistant. Joined AUW in 1996.
Inas A/ Aziz Malik, MBBS, AUW, (1996). Teaching Assistant. Joined AUW in 1997.
Sara A/ Salam Salih, MBBS, AUW, (1996) .Teaching Assistant. Joined AUW in 1997.
Sara El Sir Hassan Bashir, MBBS, AUW, (1996). Teaching Assistant. Joined AUW in 2000.
Sara Dafalla El Haj Yousif, MBBS, AUW, (1999). Teaching Assistant. Joined AUW in 2000.
Tahra El Sadig El Siddig, MBBS, AUW, (1996). Teaching Assistant. Joined AUW in 1996.

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