Rajshahi Medical College: A Comprehensive Overview of History, Academics, and Student Life

Rajshahi Medical College (RMC) stands as a beacon of medical education in Bangladesh, particularly in the northern region. Located in Rajshahi, often called the education city of Bangladesh, the establishment of RMC has significantly enhanced the city's reputation. Situated beside the Barendra Research Museum, the first museum of Bangladesh, RMC is preparing to celebrate its golden jubilee, marking decades of service and contribution to the medical field.

Historical Development

The seeds of Rajshahi Medical College were sown in 1949 when prominent figures from civil society and administration recognized the dire need for medical education and healthcare facilities in the Rajshahi region following the partition of India in 1947. They took the initiative to establish a private medical school in Rajshahi city. This school initially offered a Licentiate of Medical Faculty (LMF) diploma course under the State Medical Faculty, Dhaka, admitting eighty students in its first batch.

In 1954, the then East Pakistan Government upgraded the school into a government medical college. Shortly after, in 1958, the institution evolved into Rajshahi Medical College, offering a five-year course leading to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. The Medical College was initially housed in a small building of the Barendra Museum. It was later shifted to the present college building in the middle of Sipaipara and Luxmipur. The first batch of RMC included 42 female students and 2 foreign students.

Academic Programs and Admissions

Rajshahi Medical College admits 200 students each year for its MBBS program. In addition, its dental unit admits 50 students for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program. The dental unit is situated at Hetemkhan area of the city. Students in these programs are required to complete five years of study followed by a one-year internship in a government public hospital, as mandated by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC).

MBBS Program Structure

The MBBS program at Rajshahi Medical College spans five years of academic education, followed by a compulsory one-year internship. This structure aligns with the guidelines set by the Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BM&DC) and Rajshahi University.

The five-year MBBS curriculum is divided into four phases, each focusing on different medical disciplines:

First Phase: 1.5 years - Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
Second Phase: 1 year - Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine
Third Phase: 1 year - Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Microbiology, Pathology
Fourth Phase: 1.5 years - Medicine and Allied Subjects, Surgery and Allied Subjects, Obstetrics and Gynecology

One-Year Internship Structure

Upon successful completion of the five-year academic program, graduates are required to undertake a one-year internship at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in various medical specialties, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for professional practice.

Clinical Rotations

During the internship year, interns participate in clinical rotations across multiple departments, including:

Medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Community Medicine
Forensic Medicine

These rotations are conducted at Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital.

Postgraduate Programs

At present, besides undergraduate MBBS and BDS courses, postgraduate MD, MS, M. Phill, MPH and Diploma degrees are being offered in 18 disciplines at Rajshahi Medical College. A number of successful doctors have achieved their postgraduate degrees from this college and are working in various fields of their specialization with good reputation.

Campus and Infrastructure

The present premise of Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital (RMCH) contains 90 acres of land while present RMC premise is situated on 30 bighas of land. The college and hospital premises are set up on 90 acres of land. The three storied 530 bed hospital was built in 1965 which included medicine, surgery and gynaecology-obstetrics Department. This hospital premises stands on 60 acres of land which was agricultural farm before. 20 bed Infectious disease hospital, leprosy control centre and 150 bed Sadar hospital were affiliated with this hospital. Henceforth, Sadar hospital was converted to dental unit.

Following the War of Liberation, the Medical College and Hospital have made considerable improvements in many aspects such as student's accommodation, extension of the college buildings, number of hospital beds, establishment of a modern auditorium etc. The campus boasts modern amenities to support medical education, including four galleries equipped with computer multimedia projectors, nine laboratories, two museums, two dissection rooms, an autopsy room, and separate common rooms for students.

Key Facilities

Library: RMC has a huge library with about 19,500 books and 1800 bound journals. There are about 100 seats for the students where students can read and get books from 9 am to 9 pm. A lot of foreign books and journals on medical sciences are available at the library. Internet facilities are also available at the library for students. The Medical Education Unit of the library provides all modern facilities with internet browsing.
Hostels: There are six students’ hostel in RMC campus with a big play ground. Shoheed Jamil Akhter Ratan hostel, Shoheed Shah Moinul Ahsan Chowdhury Pinku hostel, Shoheed Kazi Nurunnabi hostel are the male hostels and Polin Chhatrinibas, Falguni Chhatrinibas, Dr. Ayesha Siddiqua hostels are for female students. Every residential hostels of RMC consists a good environment of study and ensure the full fledged hostel facilities for every students of RMC as well as canteen, TV room, indoor games room and a guest room for all.
Auditorium: A luxurious auditorium named ‘Dr. Kayser Rahman Chowdhury Auditorium’ is located in RMC campus. The auditorium is considered as the largest air conditioned auditorium in north Bengal of Bangladesh.
Canteen: There is a canteen on RMC educational campus called ‘Charu Mamar Canteen’ which is a part and parcel of RMC's tradition. The canteen was established on campus before 45 years.
Other Facilities: There is also a gymnasium and two buses for students. There is also an exclusive mosque at the campus.

Recent Developments

New Buildings: A new pharmacology building was built to the east side of the main premises in 1990. To the east of this building, a magnificent, modern, sophisticated auditorium was built in 1995 which is air-conditioned and contains 1000 seats. A new building for forensic medicine has been built recently to north-east side of the main building. It was launched in 2010. Another new four storied building has been built in an empty space at the center of main building which was inaugurated in 2012. The new building will provide 352 new beds, 6 operation theaters, one power substation and corridors to other buildings. It has a foundation of 10 stories.
Specialized Units: Coronary care unit was set up in 1984. In 1990 this unit was modernised to open Cardiology department. In 2014 cardiology ward was extended and shifted to newly built four storied building. Nephrology and Neurosurgery department was set up in 1991. Hemodialysis is being done here since 2004. Paediatric surgery and Neuromedicine department was launched respectively in 1993 and 1994. Nuclear medicine department was set up here in 1969. OCC centre was opened in this hospital in 2002 to give medical and legal help to the oppressed women. CT scan and MRI have been launched in Radiology and Imaging department in 2005.
Dental Unit: BDS course was launched here as dental unit in 1992. New building has been built for dental college in old Sadar hospital.

Student Life and Extracurricular Activities

RMC observes colourful students' week every year to keep up co- curriculur activities at campus among teachers and students. Indoor and outdoor games and other performances like debate and speech competition among students of the institution have achieved many champion trophies across the country. Rajshahi Medical College is also famous for it's debate team. In 2006 the team achieved two national championship trophies on National debate event among medical colleges and the universities with the leadership of Dr. Kudrat E Elahi.

There are some voluntary organizations in RMC. Students of RMC work on Rotaract club, Blood donation, debate related organizations to serve the country. Every batch of this institution arrange picnic, tours and others program occasionally.

Administration and Faculty

RMC has a principal and a vice principal as the head of the administration. Besides that RMC has a total 163 teachers while it has about 1350 students under MBBS and BDS courses. Professor ABM Abdul Hannan is the present principal of Rajshahi Medical College. Academic committee of this institution runs the college according to the Health ministry act. Prof. Hannan is satisfied on the current state of academics and researches. He wants to run the institution more smoothly. He also expected to see RMC in better position after next five years with help and cooperation of all respective persons.

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To create, maintain and practice cordial relationship among the teachers RMC teachers established ‘Teachers Association’ in 1984.

Contributions to the Liberation War

The institution played a vital role in the time of our liberation war. At the time of liberation war six members of RMC family contributed their lives. They are Captain Dr. Faruque, Dr. SAM Monsur Rahman Sirker, M. Alamgir Mia, Kazi Nurunnabi, M Abul Amzad and Kazal Kumar Vadro.

Alumni and Recognition

Many former students of this institution have brought national glory as well as international reputation showing intellect and wisdom in respective fields. Former director general of health Prof. Dr. Shamsuddin Sidiki, Prof. Dr. Mizanur Rahman, former Vice Chancellor of Bangabondhu Sheikh Muzib Medical University (BSMMU) Prof. Mahmud Hasan, former director of National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease(NICVD) Prof. Akhtaruzzaman, Prof. Nazrul Islam, former pro-Vice Chancellor of BSMMU Prof.Anisul Haque, Chairman department of nephrology of BSMMU Prof. Dr. Harun Ur Rashid, Prof. Kazi Tariqul Islam of Dhaka Medical College, Chairman department of hematology of BSMMU Prof.

Rajshahi Medical College is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India and the World Health Organization (WHO), ensuring that its graduates are eligible to appear for international licensing exams and pursue postgraduate studies and medical careers globally. General Medical Council of Great Britain recognized this medical college on 1 July 1992.

Rajshahi Medical University

Rajshahi Medical University is a public medical university in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Shaheed M. Rajshahi Medical University, established in Rajshahi to supervise whether these 40 public and private medical institutions will be functioning properly. The administrative and academic activities of Rajshahi Medical University were officially started in the temporary office in 2017. Rajshahi Medical University is affiliated to the Rajshahi Medical College. The university publishes a bi-annual medical journal that encourages academic research and professional development among students and faculty members.

Choosing Rajshahi Medical College: Key Advantages

Affordable Education: Rajshahi Medical College is an ideal choice for pursuing an MBBS degree due to its affordability, quality education, and global recognition. The fee structure is highly economical, with total tuition costs ranging from approximately $25,000 to $40,000 for the entire course.
Global Recognition: The college is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India and the General Medical Council of Great Britain, ensuring that its graduates are qualified to practice medicine in India and other countries after meeting the respective licensing requirements.
English Medium: The medium of instruction is English, which facilitates ease of learning for international students, particularly those from India.
Cultural Similarity: The cultural similarities between Bangladesh and India make it easier for Indian students to adapt to life in Rajshahi. The local cuisine, language, and traditions provide a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Clinical Exposure: Students undergo practical training at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, which offers excellent clinical exposure. The hospital receives a large number of patients daily, giving students the opportunity to observe and assist in diverse medical cases.
Modern Facilities: The university is equipped with modern academic facilities, including high-tech laboratories, digital classrooms, and research-friendly environments. Students have access to computers and the internet, enabling them to explore global medical databases, journals, and online study resources.

Challenges and Considerations

It’s always good to be aware of any challenges you might encounter. There have been incidents such as the one involving intern doctors and a faculty member.

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