10 Best Medical Schools in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a hidden gem when it comes to medical education. With its renowned universities and robust English-taught medical curriculums, the country offers premium-grade learning at a cheap price. So if you’re looking to become a doctor without breaking the bank, then you should apply to any of these top medical schools in Bangladesh.
How many years does it take to become a physician in Bangladesh?
The medical course in Bangladesh usually runs for 5 years. This is then followed by a 1-year internship in hospitals and related medical institutions.
What are the application documents needed by a Bangladeshi medical school?
To apply, your high school grades should meet the cut-off score for your medical school of choice. For foreigners, this usually equates to an A level or a GPA of 3 (3.5 in Biology). Generally, you should have top marks in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to be admitted.
Top Medical Schools in Bangladesh
1. Bangladesh Medical College
Although it was only established in 1986, Bangladesh Medical College is known to be the oldest private medical school in Bangladesh. Located in Dhanmondi, it is recognized as a contingent college of the University of Dhaka.
The college is known for its 5-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) course.
The curriculum is divided into three cycles, starting with the First Professional phase. This is followed by the Second Professional stage, which covers 7 disciplines. Last is the Final Professional stage, whose scope includes Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Surgery. Classes usually run from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Upon passing the final exam, students can proceed with the 1-year internship at the college’s 500-bed teaching hospital. This is a vital requirement for all doctors who wish to practice Medicine.
BMC graduates are eligible to take the USMLE. They can also be registered, albeit on a limited function, with the UK General Medical Council.
2. Dhaka National Medical College
The Dhaka National Medical College (DNMC) can trace its roots back to the Dhaka National Medical Institute, which was established in 1925. The latter almost perished, up until 1994 when it was transformed as DNMC.
The college awards an MBBS degree from its parent institution, the University of Dhaka. The English curriculum is divided into four cycles. The first phase, which covers the subjects of Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry, lasts for 1.5 years.
The second phase only runs for a year, with subjects that include Community and Forensic Medicine.
The third cycle also lasts for a year. It covers courses in Pharmacology, Therapeutics, and Microbiology.
The final professional MBBS stage is a 1.5 year-endeavor that features the studies of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and its related disciplines.
After completing the course, DNMC students are expected to be caring, committed, and accountable doctors who stand out in the vast health sector.
3. Community-Based Medical College, Bangladesh
Through the support of the Community Health Foundation, the Community-Based Medical College of Bangladesh finally materialized in 1995.
Based in Mymensingh, the 22-acre campus includes a 4-story building with lecture halls, dissection laboratories, and practical case halls. As it is 2 hours away from the city center, it has dormitories and hostels for its students as well.
As with most medical schools in Bangladesh, the college follows a 4-phase curriculum. At the end of each cycle, students need to pass the corresponding professional exams before they can proceed to the next stage.
Clerkship training is done at the 650-bed teaching hospital, which is complete with facilities such as the Medical Ward, Orthopedics Ward, and Neonatal Unit, to name a few.
True to the school’s philosophy, it immerses its students in public health practice through internships at the Rouha Satellite Clinics.
4. Jahurul Islam Medical College
Entrepreneur Jahurul Islam, through the Aftab-Rahima Welfare Trust, launched a Medical College in 1992. It is located in the Kishoreganj district and is known to be the first private medical school in a rural Bangladeshi area. The school is a constituent college of the University of Dhaka.
The school is set in a self-contained campus, with fully-equipped laboratories, dissection halls, lecture theaters, and facility accommodations, to name a few. It also has a Nursing Training Institute, which was founded earlier in 1989.
MBBS Students get to complete their clinical duties at the Jahurul Islam Medical College Hospital, a 500-bed institute.
JIMC is recognized by both the Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council and the World Health Organization.
5. Ibrahim Medical College
The next school in our list of best medical universities in Bangladesh is the Ibrahim Medical College, a private educational institution offering an MBBS course in Bangladesh. The college was founded in 2002 through the efforts of Dr. Md Ibrahim. A revolutionary physician and educator, he is the namesake of the recognized school.
IMC is an affiliate of the University of Dhaka, with campuses located in Shahbag and Shegunbagicha. Each college branch is equipped with facilities necessary for MBBS students, such as classrooms, libraries, dissection halls, and laboratories.
The college is affiliated with the BIRDEM General Hospital, a 750-bed multidisciplinary complex. As the Center of Excellence for medical treatment and research, it is currently designated as a World Health Organization collaboration center.
6. Enam Medical College
Located in Savar, Enam Medical College is another constituent school of the University of Dhaka. While it was only founded in 2003, it can trace back its roots to the Enam Clinic. This was established in 1989 through the efforts of politician Md Enamur Rahman.
The college was created to provide quality education and training to all aspiring doctors. The MBBS course, which is delivered in English, is facilitated by skilled professors in Enam’s fully-equipped campus.
The students’ practical training is held at the attached Enam Hospital. It is one of the more comprehensive hospitals in the country, as it has modern facilities that complement its 1000-bed capacity.
The school admits 150 applicants per year. It is listed in international medical school directories, such as IMED and FAIMER.
7. International Medical College
The International Medical College was opened in 2000 after meeting the requirements set forth by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This medical school in Bangladesh is located in the town of Tongi, located 22 kilometers away from the busy area of Dhaka.
The campus is a 9-acre area of prime space and is known for its lush greeneries and surrounding waterways. Despite its rural setting, the college is complete with all the necessary facilities, including classrooms, dissection halls, libraries, laboratories, and museums.
The school’s 5-year MBBS curriculum is administered by 104 professors, all distinguished and recognized in their respective fields.
Pre-clinical subjects include Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology. Para-clinical courses cover the areas of Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Community Medicine, and Forensic Medicine. The last phase involves the clinical subjects of Surgery, Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and their related fields.
Clinical rotations are done at the International Medical College Hospital, a 650-bed complex located within the campus vicinity.
8. Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College
The Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College was founded by Dr. MM Amjad Hussain in the year 2005. It is located in the Sirajganj District and is named after the Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Yunus Ali. From starting with 50 students, the college now accepts about 95 students per intake.
The curriculum was created to meet the school’s mission of providing high-quality teaching, research, and healthcare. Apart from that, it motivates its students to develop an attitude of sympathy and empathy when delivering their medical services to the public. The college awards its MBBS degree in affiliation with Rajshahi University.
Practical training is held at the college’s 500-bed hospital, which is a recognized referral hospital and a center for cardiology care.
9. Sylhet Women’s Medical College
Sylhet Women’s Medical College (SWMC) is a private Bangladeshi medical school that is exclusive for women. It was founded in 2005, it is currently affiliated with Sylhet Medical University.
SWMC is recognized as one of the best medical schools in Bangladesh. It is known to have a diverse international population, with students coming from Nepal, India, Canada, and the United Kingdom, to name a few.
WMC is nestled in a 3-acre campus in Mirboxtola. It has complete college facilities, including an auditorium, computer laboratories, libraries, even a residence hostel.
SWMC has a 650-bed teaching hospital for its MBBS students. Established in 2007, it offers comprehensive services that span over 100 disciplines.
10. Anwer Khan Modern Medical College
True to its name, Anwer Khan Modern Medical College (AKMMC) is one of the newer medical schools in Bangladesh. Founded in 2008, the Dhanmondi-based campus is affiliated with the University of Dhaka.
The college boasts of new facilities, including that of multimedia facilities, libraries, lecture halls, laboratories, and prayer rooms.
Its MBBS course starts with the basic sciences of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, followed by the second-phase courses of Pharmacology, Microbiology, Parasitology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine.
Clinical studies cover the subjects of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Ophthalmology, and ENT, to name a few.
The college has a same-named teaching hospital. With a bed capacity of 750, it has modern rooms, operating theaters, and diagnosis labs, among many essential facilities.
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