Mymensingh Medical College: A Legacy of Medical Education and Service

Mymensingh Medical College (MMC), a public medical school located in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing quality medical education and healthcare services. From its humble beginnings as the Lytton Medical School to its current status as a leading medical institution, MMC has played a vital role in shaping the healthcare landscape of Bangladesh.

Genesis and Evolution: From Lytton Medical School to Mymensingh Medical College

The story of MMC began in 1924 during the British Raj when it was established as the "Lytton Medical School" in Baghmara. The institution was named after the then-Governor of Bengal, Mr. Lytton, reflecting the colonial context of its founding. Recognizing the inadequacy of existing medical schools in Calcutta and Dhaka to meet the growing healthcare needs of the region, the Earl of Lytton established this school to offer a four-year course leading to the Licentiate of Medical Faculty (LMF).

The Lytton Medical School continued to conduct the LMF program until 1962, marking a significant period in its history. In 1962, a pivotal transformation occurred when the institution was renamed Mymensingh Medical College and upgraded to offer the five-year MBBS course, affiliated with Dhaka University. This transition marked a significant step forward, aligning the college with contemporary medical education standards and expanding its capacity to train qualified physicians. The first batch of MBBS students, known as M 01, comprised 32 aspiring doctors.

In 1972, Mymensingh Medical College shifted its campus to Charpara, occupying a sprawling 84 acres of land. This relocation facilitated the development of modern infrastructure, including a four-storied college building spanning 18,000 square meters and a hospital building conveniently located adjacent to the college. The hospital itself is spread over 58 acres of land, with an additional 5.7 acres dedicated to the S. K. Hospital.

Academic Programs and Affiliations

Mymensingh Medical College offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine and dentistry. The college is affiliated with the University of Dhaka and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), ensuring adherence to high academic standards. It is also recognized by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC), Medical Council of India (MCI), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Undergraduate Programs

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): This five-year program is the flagship undergraduate course at MMC, designed to provide students with a strong foundation in medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional ethics. The curriculum integrates basic sciences with clinical training, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students undergo rigorous assessments, including four professional exams, to evaluate their progress and competence. Each year, 197 students are admitted to the MBBS program.
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): MMC also offers a five-year BDS program, providing students with comprehensive training in dental sciences, oral healthcare, and surgical procedures. The curriculum covers preclinical and clinical phases, followed by a one-year rotatory internship. Annually, 52 students are admitted into the BDS program.

The admissions to undergraduate (MBBS & BDS) courses are conducted by DGHS.

Postgraduate Programs

In addition to its undergraduate programs, Mymensingh Medical College offers postgraduate courses in 27 disciplines under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Dhaka University. These programs provide opportunities for medical graduates to specialize in various fields and advance their knowledge and skills. The postgraduate offerings include:

MD (Doctor of Medicine) residency in five disciplines
MS (Master of Surgery) residency in four disciplines
MPhil in five disciplines
Diploma in ten disciplines

The admissions of postgraduate courses are conducted by BSMMU.

Medium of Instruction

All academic programs at Mymensingh Medical College are conducted in English, facilitating effective communication and collaboration in the global medical community.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Mymensingh Medical College boasts well-equipped facilities to support its academic programs and research activities. These include:

Laboratories: Modern and well-equipped laboratories provide students with hands-on experience in various medical disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology.
Lecture Halls: Spacious lecture halls equipped with audio-visual aids facilitate effective teaching and learning.
Library: The central library houses a vast collection of textbooks, journals, and digital resources, catering to the academic and research needs of students and faculty. The library is open from 9 AM to 9 PM daily.
Mymensingh Medical College Hospital: A 1000-bed teaching hospital adjacent to the college provides students with invaluable clinical exposure and practical training. The hospital offers a wide range of specialized services across departments such as medicine, surgery, pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and emergency care.
Hostels: Separate residential hostels for male and female students provide a comfortable and secure living environment. The boys' hostels consist of eight buildings with 209 rooms and 671 seats, including seven dining halls, one canteen, a prayer room, an auditorium, and a playground. The girls' hostels feature an old building with 145 rooms and 580 seats, alongside a new building with 26 rooms and 104 seats, equipped with two dining halls and one canteen.
Other Amenities: MMC also offers a cafeteria, sports facilities, and extracurricular activities to promote student well-being and holistic development.

Admission Process

The admission process to Mymensingh Medical College is highly competitive and merit-based. The Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) manages the application process through its official portal: dgme.teletalk.com.bd.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission, candidates must meet the following criteria:

A minimum aggregate GPA of 8.00 in SSC/'O' level and HSC/'A' level exams.
A minimum GPA of 3.5 in Biology.
Compliance with the rules regarding the year of passing the exams.

Admission Test

Candidates must appear for a competitive admission test, which assesses their knowledge and aptitude in subjects related to medicine. The pass mark in the exam is 40. In the academic year 2023-2024, 49 thousand 923 students passed the medical examination.

Verification and Admission Fee

Successful candidates are required to undergo a verification process, submit necessary documents, and complete a health check-up. Eligible students must then deposit an admission fee of BDT 18,500 to complete the admission process.

In the academic year 2023-2024, out of total 5 thousand 380 government seats, the number of male students was 2 thousand 312 (43%), while the number of female students was 3 thousand 68 (57%). The highest score in the entrance exam was 92.5. Among the 5 thousand 72 seats of merit quota, the number of male students was 2 thousand 194 (43.26%) and the number of female students was 2 thousand 878 (56.74%). 269 students were selected as 5% of the total number of seats in freedom fighter quota and 39 students were selected in quota reserved for minorities.

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International Students

Mymensingh Medical College welcomes international students and provides support through authorized representatives who assist with applications, visas, and settling in. 10% of students admitted in MBBS and BDS courses are foreign students.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

Mymensingh Medical College is not just about academics; it also offers a vibrant campus life with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. The college emphasizes student-centered learning, encourages collaboration, and promotes extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural events, and community service. The college is committed to providing a safe and ragging-free environment for its students.

Mymensingh Medical Journal

Mymensingh Medical Journal is the official journal of Mymensingh Medical College, serving as a platform for faculty and researchers to publish their research findings and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge. The journal is Index Medicus/MEDLINE enlisted, attesting to its quality and credibility.

Research and Publications

Mymensingh Medical College is committed to fostering a robust research environment, with faculty and postgraduate students actively engaged in research activities. The college's research focuses on addressing local and national health priorities, with key areas of emphasis including:

Tropical diseases
Public health challenges
Infectious diseases
Endocrinology
Cardiology

Faculty members and researchers affiliated with MMC have published over 700 articles in national and international journals, demonstrating a sustained commitment to scholarly output.

Notable Alumni

Mymensingh Medical College has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including medicine, public health, politics, and literature. Some notable alumni include:

Lotay Tshering: Prime Minister of Bhutan, completed his MBBS at MMC in 2001.
Hajera Mahtab: Professor of Medicine at Mymensingh Medical College, specializing in endocrinology and diabetes research.
Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar: Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Mymensingh Medical College, focusing on mental health policy and clinical research.
Taslima Nasreen: The feminist writer and critic of Islam.
Dr. Sudhangsu Mohan Bhowmick: Well-known physician of Jhansi, India.

Technology and Automation

Mymensingh Medical College is increasingly leveraging technology to enhance its educational activities and administrative processes. Almost all college operations have been automated through software, including academic records, transcripts, and testimonials. Student attendance is tracked using a biometric system, and hostel management and library facilities are also managed through software. RFID is used for verification of relevant necessary documents.

Departments

The college has numerous departments, including: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT (Otorhinolaryngology), Orthopedics, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiology & Imaging, Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Nephrology, and Hepatology.

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