UPNG Dean urges students to choose recognised medical schools

Students and parents in Papua New Guinea who want a career in medicine are being urged to study at local universities or internationally recognised medical schools overseas.

Executive Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Papua New Guinea, Professor Nakapi Tefuarani, says some graduates who study medicine overseas face difficulties obtaining licences to practise when they return to PNG.

Professor Tefuarani said UPNG's medical programs are accredited through the Western Pacific Association for Medical Education, which is recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education.

He warned that some overseas medical schools do not meet the standards required for clinical practice in Papua New Guinea and encouraged students and parents to carefully research institutions before enrolling.

"Send your child to a school that will do everything at once. Not doing half of the program and come back. Our medical board is very strict and will adhere to standards."

Professor Tefuarani said PNG has no concerns with graduates from recognised medical schools in Australia and New Zealand, as well as other internationally accredited institutions.

"We don't have any issue with Australian Medical Universities and New Zealand medical schools. There's about 23 Australian medical schools which I sit in their annual meeting every year."

He said the PNG Medical Board and the School of Medicine are committed to maintaining high standards and protecting public safety.

Graduates whose qualifications do not meet required standards may not be allowed to practise medicine in the country.

"Its risky. You don't want your mother or father to be examined by those people and make the wrong diagnosis and treat with the wrong medicine? That's what is all about. When you observe, you don't learn much. Hands on patients, touch, do investigation and examine. That's the kind of professionals we want in PNG."

Professor Tefuarani urged students and parents to choose recognised medical schools to ensure they receive the training needed to practise safely and professionally.