Objectives

The general objectives are to train doctors in the field of Family Medicine with emphasis on:

• Continuing, comprehensive, and personalised care to individual and family
• Early detection and management of illness
• Prevention of disease and maintenance of health
• Management of patients in the community setting

Specific Objectives:

At the end of the four-year course, the postgraduate student should be able to demonstrate certain knowledge, attitude and skills as listed below:

a) Knowledge

1. Principles and practice of Family Medicine
2. Roles and responsibilities of a Family Physician
3. Structure, functions, development and life cycle of the family
4. Health and illness behaviour of individual and family
5. Principles of Community Medicine in relation of health promotion, prevention and identification of risk factors
6. Principle of management in relation to the practice of Family Medicine
7. Principles and methodology for research and education in Family Medicine

b) Attitude

1. A strong sense of responsibility and commitment for the total and continuing care of the individual and family during health, illness, rehabilitation and bereavement
2. Compassion, empathy and an advocate to the patients
3. Strong desire to maintain maximum patients' satisfaction
4. Approach to patient care
5. Regard quality assurance and research as integral parts of Family Medicine
6. Regard continuing medical education as an essential and life long professional responsibility
7. Continuing interest and enthusiasm in Family Medicine

c) Skills

Combining the art of Family Medicine and the application of Medical and Social Sciences in aspects pertaining to:

1. Communication and interpersonal relationship
2. Patient education and counseling
3. Support for children during their growth and development as well as adjustment to family and society
4. Prevention of diseases e.g. immunisation and healthy lifestyles
5. Identification of health risk factors
6. Early diagnosis of undifferentiated health problems
7. Evaluation and management of common health problems in clinic, home or hospital setting
8. Coordination and utilization of available and appropriate resources in the community needed for the care of the patient
9. Rehabilitative and palliative care
10. Health maintenance and screening
11. Management and Family Practice
12. Research and Education in Family Medicine

These objectives are to fulfil the hopes of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia, to increase the standard of health care for the individual and family. This includes having more effective utilisation of available health care services at Health Centres, Polyclinics and District Hospitals, reducing inappropriate referrals and hospital admissions.

Entry Requirements for Master of Family Medicine

Entry qualifications

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University or an equivalent medical qualification approved by the Senate.
• At least one year of post-full registration clinical experience approved by the Senate.

Other requirements

• Qualifies for registration as a medical practitioner under the Medical Act 1971 of Malaysia.
• Satisfies an Entrance Evaluation conducted by the Faculty of Medicine.

How to apply

• Ministry of Health Malaysia applicants: Visit the HLP website at http://ehlp.moh.gov.my/.
• Non-MOH applicants: Visit the UM Medicine Official Page for information on the application.