​​What is Master of Medicine degree (PGME)?

Aga Khan University offers Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) programmes in nine areas of specialization. PGME programmes consist of four years of training and​ examinations, leading to a Master of Medicine (MMed) degree. They attract candidates from across East Africa who are admitted on merit. 

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How long does it take to complete a PGME program?

PGME programmes consist of four years of training and​ examinations, leading to a Master of Medicine (MMed) degree.

What are the prerequisites for applying to a PGME program?

• Certified copies of medical school transcripts and degree certificates.
• Medical board/council registration certificate and Annual Retention Certificate (applicable to those in practice for more than one year); or receipt as proof of payment for the certificate.
  
• Letter of internship completion or clearance letter from medical superintendent of internship station.​​
• Letter of application supporting intention to enter the programme.
• A detailed current curriculum vitae.
• A statement of purpose demonstrating​ intent to join the programme, of not more than 1000 words.
• Letter(s) of appointment for previous employment, where applicable.​​

​What are the areas of clinical specialization in the PGME program? Are there opportunities for specialization within a MMed program?

Areas of clinical specialization include:

• Anaesthesiology (offered in Nairobi, Kenya)
  
• Anatomic Pathology (offered in Nairobi, Kenya)
  
• Clinical Pathology (offered in Nairobi, Kenya)
  
• Family Medicine (offered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania & Nairobi, Kenya)     
• General Surgery (offered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania & Nairobi, Kenya)
  
• Imaging and Diagnostic Radiology (offered in Nairobi, Kenya)
  
• Internal Medicine (offered in Dar es Salaam, Tan​z​​ania & Nairobi, Kenya)
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology (offered in Dar es Salaam, Tan​z​​ania & Nairobi, Kenya)
• Paediatrics and Child Health​ (offered in Dar es Salaam, Tan​z​​ania & Nairobi, Kenya)​​
  
  

What career opportunities are available for graduates with a MMed degree?

Graduate​s with a Master of Medicine (MMed) degree typically have advanced training in a medical speciality or subspeciality, which opens up various career opportunities in clinical practice, research, education, and leadership. Here are some career paths available to graduates with a MMed degree:​

Specialist Physician: MMed graduates are often qualified to work as specialist physicians in their chosen field of expertise. They provide specialized medical care, diagnosis, and treatment to patients within their speciality area. Specialities may include Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Radiology, Anaesthesiology, Neurology, Cardiology, Oncology, and others.

Consultant or Attending Physician: MMed graduates may work as consultants or attending physicians in hospitals, clinics, or academic medical centres. They lead multidisciplinary teams, supervise residents and fellows, and provide expert consultation on complex medical cases within their speciality area.

Subspecialist: Some MMed graduates choose to further specialize within a specific subspeciality ​of their field. Subspecialties may include areas such as Interventional Cardiology, Paediatric Oncology, Neuro​​​critical Care, Hand Surgery, Reproductive Endocrinology, Sports Medicine, or Surgical Oncology.

Academic Medicine: MMed graduates may pursue careers in academic medicine, working as faculty members in medical schools, teaching hospitals, or research institutions. They may teach medical students, supervise residents and fellows, conduct medical research, and contribute to scholarly publications within their specialty area.

Medical Researcher: MMed graduates with a passion for research may pursue careers as medical researchers, conducting clinical trials, translational research, or basic science research in academic or industry settings. They may investigate new treatments, therapies, or medical technologies to improve patient care and outcomes within their speciality area.

Clinical Educator: MMed graduates may work as clinical educators, providing training and mentorship to medical students, residents, and fellows within their speciality area. They may develop curriculum materials, lead clinical skills workshops, and evaluate learners' progress in clinical settings.

Hospital Administrator or Medical Director: MMed graduates with leadership skills may pursue careers in hospital administration or medical management. They may serve as department chairs, medical directors, or hospital administrators, overseeing clinical operations, quality improvement initiatives, and strategic planning efforts within healthcare organizations.

Public Health Specialist: MMed graduates may work in public health organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, focusing on population health, disease prevention, and health promotion initiatives within their speciality area. They may develop public health policies, conduct epidemiological studies, or implement community health programs to address public health challenges.

Telemedicine Provider: With the rise of telemedicine and digital health technologies, MMed graduates may explore opportunities to provide virtual medical consultations, remote patient monitoring, or telehealth services within their speciality area.

These are just a few examples of the diverse career opportunities available to graduates with a Master of Medicine degree. The specific career path pursued will depend on individual interests, skills, training, and professional goals within the context of their chosen medical speciality or subspeciality.

What support services are available for MMed students, such as financial assistance or career counselling​?

Student counsellors at AKU provide psychological support to students and medical trainees undergoing personal, social, or academic challenges, or common mental health concerns including (but not limited to) adjustment issues, stress, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. 

AKU has a Financial Assistance Programme that aims to assist students who have limited financial need to support the cost of their education.  Currently, MMed are eligible for partial scholarship​. Upon admissions, students are encouraged to apply for financial assistance. Allocation is done on need basis.

Can I work while completing a MMed program?

Yes, you can study as you work.​​​​