Career Path

Compulsory for doctors to undergo housemanship for two years after completing their medical degree. Doctors will be able gain full registration with the MMC by undertaking pre-registration internship in a house officer post provided by the Malaysian Government in a Government Hospital in 3 years duration before doctors allow to work with private agency. After completed successfully pre-registration training, a period of supervised basic specialty training follows at government hospital, district hospital, government clinic or private clinic.

Curriculum Components

Code	Course Code
SPP 3211	Cell and Excitable Tissue
SPP 3221	General Anatomy And Embryology
SPP 3231	Molecular-Based Medicine
SPP 3271	General and Biochemical Pharmacology
SPP 3241	Gene Expression
SPP 3251	Human Genetics
SPP 3321	General Pathology
SPP 3341	Immunology
SPP 3311	Haematology
SPP 3351	Medical Microbiology
SPP 3371	Medical Parasitology and Entomology
SPP 3531	Cardiovascular System
SPP 3541	Respiratory System
SPP 3521	Urinary System
SPP 3551	Alimentary System
SPP 3261	Nutrition and metabolism
SPP 3561	Endocrine System
SPP 3571	Reproductive System
SPP 3511	Musculoskeletal System
SPP 3581	Central Nervous System
SPP 3421	Introduction to Public Health and Epidemiology
SPP 3422	Epidemiology - Identifying Causes
SPP 3411	Family Health
SPP 3423	Understanding Disease Epidemiology
SPP 3431	Services, Clients and Community
SPP 3611	Medical Statistics
SPP 3131	Behavioural Science
SPP 3111	Professional Development
SPP 3121	Communication Skills
SPP 3621	Research Methodology and Project
SPK 3011	Early Clinical Experience ( I, II, III, IV)
SPP 3591	Problem Based Learning ( I, II, III, IV)
SPK 3211	Introductory Medicine
SPK 3311	Introductory Surgey
SPK 3321	Otorhinolaryngology
SPK 3331	Opthalmology
SPK 3221	Health Care of The Elderly
SPK 3241	Introductory Radiology
SPK 3141	Sports Medicine
SPK 3251	Rheumatologi Perubatan
SPK 3611	Psychiatry
SPK 3711	Family Medicine
SPK 3811	Community Medicine
SPK 3411	Obstetrics and Gynaecology
SPK 3511	Paediatrics
SPK 3111	Introductory Orthopaedic
SPK 3821	Community Follow-Up
SPK 4212	Senior Medicine
SPK 4312	Senior Surgery
SPK 4612	Senior Psychiatry
SPK 4112	Senior Orthopaedics
SPK 4512	Senior Obstetrics and Gynaecology
SPK 4412	Senior Paediatrics
SPK 3341	Forensic Medicine
SPK 3351	Anaesthesiology
SPK 3231	Dermatology
SPK 3121	Accident & Emergency

Admission

The entry requirements are as follows :

i) Matriculation (Biological/Physical/Science) : Must acquire at least a Grade B+ (3.33) in Chemistry and in any two of the added subjects below :

• Physics
• Biology
• Mathematics

OR

ii) STPM : Fulfil basic university requirements and particular requirements of the programme Must acquire at least a Grade B+ (3.33) in Chemistry and in any two of the added subjects below :

• Physics
• Biology
• Mathematics / Additional Mathematics

Core and Professional Modules

• SPP 3211 Cell and Excitable Tissue (51 hour)
  

The course encompasses the organization, basic functions of tissues and organs, as well as cellular communication. It also includes pharmacological effects on neurotransmitters

• SPP 3221 General Anatomy And Embryology (21 hour)
  

This course encompasses the gross and histological aspects of musculoskeletal system, circulatory system which includes cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and autonomic nervous system, as well as general embryology

• SPP 3231 Molecular-Based Medicine (43 hour)

This course encompasses the basic biochemistry of proteins and enzymes involved in major metabolic pathways, as well as diseases caused by metabolic enzyme deficiencies and the relationship between protein stability and biological activity. This course also covers intermediate and energy metabolisms. Disorders of metabolism and their related clinical significance is also focused on

• SPP 3271 General and Biochemical Pharmacology (19 hour)

This course encompasses the general principles of pharmacology, concepts on drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, as well as the principles of Rational Prescribing Practice. The methods for testing toxicity of drugs, and the genetic influences on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are also described. Prescribing drugs to elderly and pediatric patients are also focused on

• SPP 3241 Gene Expression (14 hour)

The course encompasses the structure and functions of genes, mechanisms of DNA replication, mRNA transcription, gene splicing and protein translation, mutations and mutagenic agents and their influence on DNA and the cell, as well as aspects on application of molecular biology techniques in clinical diagnostics

• SPP 3251 Human Genetics (17 hour)

This course encompasses the fundamental concepts and technological advances in the study of human genetics pertaining to medical practice, which includes cytogenetics, molecular genetics, biochemical genetics, clinical genetics, ethical issues and genetic counseling. The use of genetic methods including linkage, mutational and pedigree analyses in a small group of specific diseases as examples are also highlighted

• SPP 3321 General Pathology (35 hour)

The course encompasses the principles of basic pathology, and relates these principles with the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology, pharmacology, radiology and clinical manifestation. Lethal and sublethal tissue injuries, necrosis and apoptosis, inflammations, tissue healing and repair, as well as the behaviour of neoplastic cells are also emphasised SPP 3341 Immunology (36 hour) This course encompasses the concept of immunity, an overview of the immune system, the nature of antigen and cell recognition, role of the immune system in inflammation, response to pathogens, mechanisms of tissue damage, allergy, autoimmunity, organ transplantation and rejection, as well as immunological consequences due to immunodeficiencies

• SPP 3311 Haematology (37 hour)

The course encompasses the changes in organization, basic function and morphology of blood cells and its components in common haematological disorders. The course also emphasizes diagnostic tests and managements of these disorders

• SPP 3351 Medical Microbiology (52 hour)

This course encompasses the basic knowledge of medically important microorganisms, their its structures, genetic materials and pathogenicity in subdisciplines of bacteriology, virology and mycology. It also covers the classification, types, function and transmission of microorganisms. An introduction on antimicrobial agents as well as the prevention and control of infectious diseases are also included

• SPP 3371 Medical Parasitology and Entomology (37 hour)

This course encompasses the medical and public health aspects of parasitic and vector borne diseases, covering biology and life cycle, epidemiology, pathology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of infection in the individual patient and the community

• SPP 3531 Cardiovascular System (68 hour)

This course encompasses the disciplines of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology of the cardiovascular system. Clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases, approach to diagnosis, principles of treatment and preventive measures of disease are also given emphasis

• SPP 3541 Respiratory System (46 hour)

This course encompasses the anatomical structures and functions of the respiratory system, and related pathological conditions such as hypoxia, respiratory failure and in unusual environment. It also includes clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory system related diseases

• SPP 3521 Urinary System (49 hour)

This course encompasses the anatomy, physiology, pathology and pharmacology of the urinary system, including the structure and functions of various parts of nephron. It also covers the hormonal mechanisms affecting the renal functions, and the role of kidneys in the control of blood pressure and the maintenance of acid-base balance. Common urinary disorders such as glomerular diseases, neoplasia and obstruction of urinary tract and their management are also covered

• SPP 3551 Alimentary System (54 hour)

This course encompassesthe anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of alimentary system, including the pathophysiology. The course also covers malignant diseases, penetrating trauma and surgical aspects of the abdomen

• SPP 3261 Nutrition and metabolism (18 hour)

This course encompasses macronutrients (energy stores and balance), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), role of nutrition in maintenance of optimal health, consequences of over and under nutrition, and clinical applications. The energy requirement during physical activity will also be highlighted

• SPP 3561 Endocrine System (42 hour)

The course encompasses the anatomy, histology, physiology, pathology and pharmacology in an integrated approach, which also covers developmental anatomy and related functions of hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. It also includes normal and abnormal functions of endocrine system including hormones, hormonal axis, and regulation of hormone release

• SPP 3571 Reproductive System (52 hour)

The course encompasses the introduction to anatomy, histology, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and clinical aspects of the male and female reproductive system. Aspects related to child birth, foetal physiology, newborn infants, conception, abortion, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases are also emphasized

• SPP 3511 Musculoskeletal System (82 hour)

The course encompasses the anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and clinical aspects of the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, bones and joints. It also covers the approach to make a diagnosis, and interpretation of clinical findings such as pain, fractures, dislocations and nerve injuries

• SPP 3581 Central Nervous System (82 hour)

The course encompasses the anatomy and histology of the brain and spinal cord, normal and abnormal functions of the CNS at cellular and molecular levels, as well as various neurotransmitters and their involvement in normal conditions and major clinical disorders. Students also acquire knowledge of drugs for treatment of common CNS disorders, including their mechanisms of action, efficacy and clinical limitations

• SPP 3421 Introduction to Public Health and Epidemiology (20 hour)

This course encompasses the basic concepts, principles and issues related to public health, basic principles in epidemiology and patterns of diseases in Malaysia and worldwide. This includes disease prevention and control through epidemiological techniques, environment and occupational health, screening for diseases, health promotion, health care delivery system and urban health

• SPP 3422 Epidemiology - Identifying Causes (31 hour)

The course encompasses the basic epidemiological study designs, their advantages and limitations, clinical trials, measurements of risk and its uses, assessment of causation, bias and confounding. It also covers the application of knowledge as well as assessment of epidemiological evidence through critical reviews of published scientific articles or journals

• SPP 3411 Family Health (14 hour)

This course encompasses family health services in the community provided by government and non-governmental agencies, such as maternal and child health, women’s health, adolescent health, school health, health care of the elderly, health care of people with special needs and nutrition

• SPP 3423 Understanding Disease Epidemiology (14 hour)

The course encompasses the distribution of diseases according to time, place and person as well as its determinants. It also includes epidemiological principles and concepts, as well as application of prevention of a specific disease/condition. The diseases studied include communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, cancers and emerging diseases

• SPP 3431 Services, Clients and Community (23 hour)

This course encompasses the issues related with health care facilities and services for the community provided by governmental and private agencies, including preventive and promotional health services such as Department of Occupational Safety and Health, occupational health services, environmental health services such as garbage/waste disposal, quality drinking water, traditional and complementary medicine, as well as international health

• SPP 3611 Medical Statistics (52 hour)

This course encompasses the basic principles in medical statistics, descriptive statistics, statistical tests for comparing means, chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact test, correlation and simple linear regression test, and non-parametric tests

• SPP 3131 Behavioural Science (21 hour)

This course encompasses the normal human development through a psychological perspective from the stages of infancy to elderly, psychosocial effects of chronic illness, the role of family, stress and the process of mental activities such as memory, perception, sleep, motivation, conditioning and emotion

• SPP 3111 Professional Development (10 hour)

This course encompasses the social and professional roles of a doctor as well as the importance of professional skills in medicine, involving doctor-patient relationship, professional relationship with others, corporate culture in the Ministry of Health, working with other genders, holistic assessment, as well as ethical and cultural issues in medicine

• SPP 3121 Communication Skills (9 hour)

This course encompasses the core concepts of effective communication as a doctor which includes having high levels of sensitivity, knowledge and skills. The knowledge and skill in handling patients during patient education and facing patients with terminal diseases as well as communicating with their family members are also emphasized

• SPP 3621 Research Methodology and Project (400 hour)

This course encompasses the basic concepts of research methodology and project, including the use of biostatistics, research designs, proposal preparation, data analysis, scientific write-up and project presentation

• SPK 3011 Early Clinical Experience (37 hour)

This course encompasses the application of basic medical sciences on patient history taking, physical examination which also incorporates communication and clinical skills, the principles of ward procedures and management of patients in the ward

• SPP 3591 Problem Based Learning (66 hour)

This course encompasses the application of knowledge in basic medical sciences through problem based learning, which include the development of critical thinking abilities, deductive reasoning, team work and information sharing

• SPK 3211 : Introductory Medicine - 520 hours (13 weeks)

The course encompasses good history taking and systematic examination of the central and peripheral nervous system, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, the urinary system, the cardiovascular system, the endocrine system and the joints. Basic ward procedures such as performing venepuncture, setting up a drip and recording ECGs are also covered.

• SPK 3311 : Introductory Surgery - 520 hours (13 weeks)

This course encompasses principles of surgical practice within a hospital setting, clinical aspects, diagnosis, investigations and management of common surgical disorders such as abdominal, peripheral vascular disease, breast, thyroid, genito-urinary, and general surgical diseases.

• SPK 3321 :Otorhinolaryngology - 120 hours (3 weeks)

This course encompasses the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck, diseases of the ear, diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses, diseases of pharynx and larynx, diseases of the neck and oral cavity, and allergies.

• SPK 3331: Ophthalmology - 120 hours (3 weeks)

This course encompasses history taking, physical examination and management of common ocular problems, including those caused by infection, trauma, hereditary disorders, cataract, glaucoma and retinal abnormalities

• SPK 3221L: Health Care of the Elderly -120 hours (3 weeks)

This course encompasses aging demography, assessment of elderly patients, principles of geriatric medicine, psychological problems in the elderly, falls, immobility and rehabilitation, death and dying. It also covers ethics and professionalism in managing the elderly as well as the importance of healthy ageing.

• SPK 3141: Sports Medicine -40 hours (1 week)

The course encompasses the broad spectrum of sports medicine (sports injuries, treatment and rehabilitation) and sports science (exercise physiology, sports nutrition, sports psychology and physical conditioning.

• SPK 3241: Introductory Radiology -40 hours (1 week)

The course encompasses the basics in different imaging modalities which include radiation hazards and protection, the aspect of examination procedures, their clinical indications and contraindications. It also covers the interpretation of both normal and abnormal radiological images.

• SPK 3251: Medical Rheumatology -40 hours (1 week)

This course covers the anatomy, physiology, pathogenesis and diseases related to joint system and connective tissue disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies and crystal arthropathies.

• SPK 3611: Psychiatry -320 hours (8 weeks)

This course encompasses fundamental knowledge and clinical aspects of psychiatric disorders, interview techniques and history taking, recognition of symptoms of major psychiatric disorders and understanding of factors contributing to the cause of mental illness, case formulation and management.

• SPK 3711 : Family Medicine -160 hours (4 weeks)

This course encompasses a practice of medicine in primary care setting through attachment with experienced primary health care providers in government and private settings, as well as non-government organization.

• SPK 3811: Community Medicine -240 hours (6 weeks)

The course encompasses roles of medical officers and other health care workers related to health services and facilities available at the district level, work with health teams and experience health services and activities provided at the district level such as family health programme, communicable and non-communicable disease prevention and control programme, food quality control programme, drinking water quality control programme, environmental health programme, public health perspectives in the hospital and health services administration, managing patient comprehensively as well as evaluate a community and conduct health intervention programme.

• SPK 3511: Obstetrics and Gynaecology - 400 hours (10 weeks)

This course encompasses common obstetrics clinical situations such as antenatal, delivery and postpartum problems along with maternal and perinatal mortality. The common clinical situations such as benign and malignant gynaecological diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, infertility, contraception, menstrual cycle disorders and menopause

• SPK 3411:Pediatrics -400 hours (10 weeks)

This course encompasses introduction to general paediatrics, basic skills of history taking and physical examination in children, reinforcement of basic examination techniques in the context of paediatric patients, exposure to various disciplines of paediatric subspecialities and visit to a community-based maternal and child health centre.

• SPK 3821: Community Follow-Up - 800 hours (20 weeks)

This course covers the impact of illness to the physical, social and psychological well being of the patient, their family and the community at large which is based on medical ethics and professionalism in the patient’s management. It also covers the involvement of external agencies in the aspect of patient care.

• SPK 3111: Introductory Orthopaedics - 32 hours , (2 Weeks)

This course encompasses basic history taking of orthopaedic patients based on the part of the limb involved and physical examination of the musculoskeletal system. It also covers the approach of accurate diagnosis and relevant investigations

• SPK 4212: Senior Medicine -320 hours (8 weeks)

The course encompasses finer aspects of history taking and physical examination, rational approach on investigation and management of clinical problems, therapeutic aspects of medical practice and therapeutic procedures in the wards.

• SPK 4312: Senior Surgery -320 hours (8 weeks)

The course encompasses finer aspects of history taking and physical examination, rational approach on investigation and management of clinical problems, therapeutic aspects of surgical practice and therapeutic procedures in the clinics, wards and operation theatres.

• SPK 4612: Senior Psychiatry - 80 hours (2 weeks)

This course encompassses psychosocial aspects of physical illnesses through liaison psychiatry, managing dying patients and handle cases in emergency psychiatry. It also covers the concept of liason psychiatry and emphasises on the role of multidisciplinary teams in managing patients and in the development of Liason Psychiatry services in hospitals.

• SPK 4112: Senior Orthopedics - 320 hours (8 weeks)

In the fifth year, the students will be posted to the Senior Orthopaedicss. The rotation is of 8 weeks duration. Teaching in this course will consist of lectures, seminars, bedside teaching, ward rounds, clinical sessions in Orthopaedic outpatient clinic and observing procedures in operation theatres. Students are also expected to perform ward work under supervision. During this rotation, the student will also be posted to the Accident & Emergency,Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Orthotic Departments. Students will be supervised by the lecturers from the Orthopaedic Department, UPM and Medical Officers/ Specialists/Consultants of Institute Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Serdang Hospital.

• SPK 4512: Senior Obstetrics and Gynaecology -200 hours (5 weeks)

The course encompasses finer aspects of history taking and physical examination of obstetrics and gynaecology patients, rational approach on investigation and management of clinical problems in obstetrics and gynaecology, therapeutic aspects of obstetrics and gynaecology practice and therapeutic procedures in the clinics, wards, labour rooms and operation theatres.)

• SPK 4412: Senior Pediatrics - 200 hours (5 weeks)

The course encompasses history taking and physical examination of paediatric patients and their families, rational approach on investigation and management of clinical problems and therapeutic procedures in the clinics and wards as well as covering neonatology.)

• SPK 3341: Forensic Medicine - 80 hours (2 weeks)

This course encompasses basic knowledge on forensic pathology and guidelines to perform autopsy on common cases such as sudden death, accidents, asphyxia as well as medicolegal cases, preparing medicolegal case report and attending mock court.)

• SPK 3351 :Anaesthesiology - 29 hours, 1 week)

This course encompasses basic clinical aspects of anaesthesiology, pre-anaesthetic preparation of patients, critical care medicine and pain medicine, with attention to ethics and professionalism. It also covers the management of patients in the perioperative period as a whole and basic management for the critically ill.

• SPK 3231: Dermatology - 80 hours (2 weeks)

This course covers history taking from patients, physical examination and management of skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy. It also covers the recognition of common, serious and life threatening skin diseases as well as exposure to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.)

• SPK 3121: Accident and Emergency - 40 hours (2 weeks)

This course encompasses the principles of early management of emergency cases e.g. trauma, acute asthma, acute myocardial infarction and disaster emergency. It also covers the importance of immediate management of emergency cases to prevent worsening of the patient’s condition, communication and continuity of management with other clinical units.

 

Contact Us

Deputy Dean (Academic - Medicine)
DOCTOR OF MEDICINE PROGRAMME
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Universiti Putra Malaysia
43400 Serdang Selangor,
MALAYSIA

Tel: 603-8947 2607
Fax: 603-8947 2585
Web: www.medic.upm.edu.my