In a significnt move, the central govt (GOI) - on the recommendations of NMC- has restored 30 % quota for faculty positions for M Sc/ Ph D holders.
In 2020, NMC had halved this number.
“In the departments of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Pharmacology, non-medical teachers may be appointed to the extent of 30 per cent of the total number of posts in the department, subject to the non-availability of medical techers, ie, MD/MS." (from media reports).
What is your take? Should medical students by taught non -clinical subjects like Anatomy, physio, biochem, etc by non- MD/MD teachers?
Note: As expected, National Medical M.Sc. Teachers’ Association (NMMTA) has welcomed the decision.
I think this is a fair decision. M Sc/Ph D teachers can teach Anatomy, Biochemistry and other non clinical subjects with better teaching methods and research experience too. It would be great for medical students do get the best of both worlds - academic guidance from non clinical teachers and clinical insights from doctors.
This is an important change @MedBoundHub.
I think having M.Sc. and Ph.D. holders teach subjects like Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry can be really helpful especially when there aren’t enough MD/MS teachers available. These experts bring deep knowledge and can add valuable perspectives.
At the same time, it’s important that medical students also learn the clinical context from experienced doctors. So maybe a balance between both non-medical and medical teachers would be best.
It’s a sensible move MSc/PhD holders bring strong academic and research skills to non-clinical teaching. A balanced mix with MD/MS faculty can ensure quality education while addressing faculty shortages.