UHS, RCP London explore joint exams, trainee exchange and global recognition

LAHORE: The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) London have explored a range of potential collaborations aimed at strengthening postgraduate medical education, clinical training, assessment and research, with discussions covering joint examinations, Continuing Medical Education (CME), trainee exchange, research projects and international recognition of UHS clinical postgraduate degrees.

The discussions took place during a meeting at UHS chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nadia Naseem. RCP London was represented by Preetham Boddana, Associate Global Director for South Asia, and Naa Noi, Global Project Manager, on behalf of RCP London President Prof. Mumtaz Patel.

The proposed collaboration could have implications for postgraduate medical trainees at UHS, particularly through greater international academic exposure and potential changes in examination and assessment opportunities.

During the meeting, UHS Director Postgraduate Studies Prof. Asif Naveed gave a detailed presentation on the university's postgraduate medical education system, including the scope of its MD/MS programmes and its extensive academic and clinical training network.

Prof. Asif Naveed also outlined areas where engagement with RCP London could potentially strengthen the quality, assessment processes and international recognition of postgraduate medical training at UHS.

Joint examinations and CME programmes proposed as first phase

Among the key areas discussed were joint postgraduate examinations, webinars, CME programmes, trainee exchange, joint research projects and different levels of exemptions from MRCP examinations.

Both institutions agreed that joint examinations and educational activities, particularly webinars and CME programmes, would be pursued as the first phase of the proposed collaboration. Further consultations will determine the detailed scope and modalities of these initiatives.

The proposed trainee exchange, joint research projects and potential MRCP exemptions are expected to be considered during a subsequent phase following the introduction of the RCP Global Policy next month.

The discussions around MRCP exemptions could be particularly significant for postgraduate doctors, although the precise nature, eligibility criteria and extent of any exemptions have yet to be finalised.

RCP London team may evaluate UHS postgraduate examinations

A potentially important element of the discussions involved the international recognition and accreditation of UHS clinical postgraduate degrees.

UHS proposed inviting a team from RCP London to evaluate its postgraduate clinical examination and assessment system. The university has scheduled its postgraduate clinical examinations for late November and early December 2026 and plans to extend a formal invitation to the RCP team well in advance, after completing the requisite codal formalities.

The proposed evaluation would allow the RCP team to review UHS examination and assessment practices in relation to the proposed accreditation and international recognition of the university's clinical postgraduate degrees.

However, the evaluation does not itself establish accreditation or international recognition. The scope, requirements and arrangements for any evaluation will have to be worked out through further coordination between UHS and RCP London.

GMC registration at consultant level also discussed

The meeting also considered the potential relevance of UK General Medical Council (GMC) registration at consultant level for doctors holding UHS MD/MS qualifications.

The matter remains subject to further consideration and would have to be assessed in accordance with applicable UK regulatory requirements and policies. No final decision on consultant-level GMC registration was indicated in the discussions.

The meeting brought together UHS leadership, members of relevant Specialty Advisory Committees and medical education experts, including Prof. Tayyaba Waseem, Prof. Rana Altaf Ahmad, Prof. Farooq Rana Ahmad, Prof. Tahir Siddique, Prof. Sarah Ghafoor and Dr Lamia Yousuf.

Both sides expressed their commitment to continued engagement and agreed to work toward a structured framework for collaboration in mutually agreed areas.

If developed further, the proposed partnership could provide UHS postgraduate trainees with greater international academic exposure and educational opportunities while supporting efforts to strengthen the quality, assessment and global recognition of postgraduate clinical education at the university.

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