Aga Khan University Medical Internship: Training for Future Medical Officers

Introduction

Welcome to the Aga Khan University Medical Internship program, aimed at providing high-quality training to medical officer interns. This one-year structured training program equips interns with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in both clinical and non-clinical areas, enabling them to become competent and independent medical officers capable of practicing in rural or urban settings.

Eligibility Criteria: To be considered for the program, applicants must meet one of the following criteria

1. Completion of an undergraduate course in a recognized medical school in Kenya.
2. Doctors qualified from medical schools within the East African Community (EAC) region, meeting the criteria for reciprocal recognition.
3. Doctors who have met the minimum requirements for admission to universities in Kenya and have passed the internship qualifying examinations set by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists’ Board (KMPDB).
4. Evidence of having signed the Hippocratic Oath.
5. Successful completion of the Internship Assessment Exam and interviews conducted by the Aga Khan University.

Evaluation

Throughout the program, interns are evaluated by experienced program directors and chief residents. These assessments occur every three months within each discipline. Additionally, interns are provided with Procedure and Skills logbooks for each rotation, ensuring their eligibility to proceed to subsequent rotations. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, an internship completion form is submitted to the KMPDB.

Aim and Benefits: By the end of the one-year training across the four departments of internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology, interns will gain a range of competencies, including:

1. Functioning as competent and caring physicians.
2. Assessing and managing common medical and surgical conditions.
3. Managing emergencies and participating in resuscitations.
4. Starting appropriate initial management and making appropriate referrals.
5. Performing common procedures independently and efficiently.
6. Effectively communicating with patients and their relatives.
7. Collaborating with peers.
8. Acquiring knowledge of commonly used drugs and their rational use.
9. Successfully completing emergency training courses in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology.

Program Structure and Benefits: The internship program spans one year, with three-month rotations in each of the four departments. During this time, interns enjoy the following benefits:

1. Training alongside PGME residents, providing inspiration for future career paths.
2. Access to a diverse range of educational activities, including Faculty Academic Rounds, Junior Researchers Day, Continuous Medical Education, and Journal Clubs, enhancing the learning experience.
3. Structured training mirroring the Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) programs, incorporating work-based assessments. The AKU intern logbook, in addition to the specific logbook issued by the medical board, aids in this process.
4. Exposure to other medical specialties such as Family Medicine, Pathology, Anesthesiology, and Emergency Medicine, complementing the main four departments.

Application Process: Applications for the 2023 intake will be accepted from March 31, 2023, until May 12, 2023. Applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements will be invited for interviews, and successful candidates will commence the program on July 3, 2023. The appointment contract for interns is valid for one year.

Required Application Documents

Interested candidates should submit the following documents as part of their application

1. Cover letter.
2. Personal statement outlining future interests.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
4. Certified academic certificates and transcripts.
5. Three letters of reference.

To apply, submit your application by email to [email protected]? or by post to the address below:

The Manager Postgraduate Medical Education Aga Khan University P.O. Box 39340 -00623 Nairobi

For any inquiries, please contact us via email at [email protected]? or by phone at +254 20 366 2106 / +254 20 366 2919.

To access further information, visit the official page of the Aga Khan University Medical Internship program. Feel free to leave your questions or suggestions in the comments section.