Are you planning to study MBBS abroad? First and foremost, it’s pertinent that you educate yourself about the target country, university, and the recognition of medical universities. Medical universities have to be recognized by the governing bodies of the respective countries as it depicts the standard of the quality of education the university provides.
Top recognizing medical bodies are as follows:
● World Health Organization (WHO):
The World Health organization, founded on April 7, 1948, and is in Geneva, Switzerland. It is one of the organs of the (UN) United Nations built to attain peace in public health. Most of the foreign medical universities are WHO-recognized.
● National Medical Council (NMC):
Every country has its medical council for recognition and accreditation. In India, the Medical Council of India (MCI) replaced the National Medical Council on September 25, 2020. NMC conducts entrance examinations and regulates the policies for the medical institution and medical professionals in India. NMC recognition is mandatory for the students who pursue medical education abroad in an NMC recognized university and want to practice in India. The foreign-educated student has to pass the NMC screening test before they start practice in India.
● United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
UNESCO was founded on November 16, 1945. The headquarters is in Paris, France. The primary aim of UNESCO is to maintain peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. It plays a critical role in improving medical education sectors. UNESCO aids in monitoring and developing medical equipment and provides support for research work, knowledge gathering, and information sharing.
● World Directory Of Medical School (WDOMS):
It is a public database of institutions providing medical education. This database is compiled jointly by the World Federation For Medical Education and the Foundation For Advancement Of International Medical Education and Research. The Directory comprises over 3,400 Medical Schools. The aim is to identify medical schools and educational institutions providing degrees that permit the holder to get a license to practice as a medical practitioner or physician.
● Educational Commission For Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG):
It is a US-based private organization founded in 1956 and located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. The main aim is to promote, develop, and provide skillful training for healthcare professionals and services. It acts as an evaluator and guiding agency for non-US Physicians and graduates of non-US medical schools who want to practice medicine in the United States or apply for a US medical residency program. It has criteria to shortlist the top medical colleges all over the world. It is a center of registration and score-reporting to the US screening exam for international medical graduates.
As an aspirant, if you are planning to study MBBS in Russia, Ukraine, Bangladesh, the Philippines, or any other foreign country, you must know the recognizing medical bodies of the universities. This will ensure the viability and validity of medical degrees for future careers.