The Higher Education Review

There is now greater emphasis on practical training and hands-on experience to develop clinical competence and confidence among future doctors. The National Medical Council (NMC) has set specific goals for Indian medical graduates, including becoming the primary point of contact for the community’s healthcare needs while remaining globally relevant.

Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research is dedicated to helping students achieve this goal by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to address healthcare challenges in the country.

To cultivate a culture of inquiry and keep students updated with the latest advancements in medical science, the institute encourages participation in research projects, conferences, and scientific publications. The undergraduates are proud participants in the STS projects of ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research).

Furthermore, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare has been acknowledged, leading to the incorporation of subjects like medical ethics, attitude, interpersonal skills, and communication skills in the MBBS curriculum. This prepares students to effectively work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

The Inception Saga
HIMSR is a renowned center of excellence in medical education, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and post-doctoral courses in medical and allied subjects. The institute is affiliated with Jamia Hamdard, a NAAC ‘A+’ accredited deemed university, and has gained national recognition for its high standards of medical education. In the NIRF ranking of 2023, HIMSR is ranked 29th in the Medical category and 4th in Delhi, making it the top private medical college in Delhi and the NCR region.

The institute has well-equipped medical and surgical specialties and super specialties as per the requirements of the National Medical Council. It admits 150 students annually in the MBBS and post graduate program through the NEET entrance exam. Admissions to PG, PhD, and MSc courses are based on eligibility criteria and interview scores. HIMSR attracts bright and meritorious students and has a full complement of faculty members.

HIMSR is supported by the HAHC Hospital, a stateof- the-art facility with 740 beds, including beds for

economically weaker sections, critical care units, and modern operation theaters. The hospital is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services and has accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH).

It is also empaneled for Ayushman Bharat, serving the economically disadvantaged sections of society. The hospital’s clinical labs are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

In line with the philosophy of its founder, HIMSR & HAHC Hospital aims to be a parallel private healthcare system in New Delhi, promoting compassion, care, and the sharing of pain. It strives to provide quality and affordable healthcare to all sections of society while advancing in the field of life sciences and health domains.

Equipped to Meet Industry Needs
Collaborations between medical colleges, healthcare institutions, and industry partners present challenges but are crucial for bridging the gap between academia and the industry. HIMSR, as a postgraduate institute, offers ample opportunities for MBBS graduates to pursue their aspirations. Additionally, the state-of-the-art Hakeem Abdul Hameed Centenary Hospital on campus provides students with valuable exposure to real-world healthcare practices and cutting-edge technologies.

The institute is dedicated to preparing undergraduates to serve as the primary point of contact for healthcare in the community. To enhance students’ employability, various training programs, workshops, events, and conferences are organized, focusing on emergency care, surgical skills, basic life support, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking.

“Early exposure to diverse patient population and medical scenario help students develop necessary skills and a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry. Research collaborations, sponsored projects and guest lectures facilitate industry exposure and employment opportunities.

HIMSR takes pride in partnering with esteemed organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for research projects and publications. The institute also implements a successful mentorship program, assigning mentors (faculty) to provide valuable guidance and career advice to students”, says the Dean, Dr Mridu Dudeja.

Uniqueness of Offerings
To remain current and distinctive as a medical institution, institute strives to integrate evolving and

diverse pedagogical structures and techniques. Its primary objective is to help students acquire, retain, and apply knowledge, while fostering critical thinking, problem solving, and creative skills. The institute conducts regular reviews and updates of courses to incorporate the latest advancements in knowledge, technologies, and industry relevant skills.

Collaboration with industry professionals and experts is also valued to gain valuable insights for curriculum development. “Professionalism and ethical conduct hold significant importance in our college. We provide education on medical ethics, emphasizing aspects such as patient confidentiality and maintaining professional boundaries. Our aim is to ensure that students comprehend the ethical responsibilities associated with their future careers”, adds the Dean.

HIMSR boasts of an excellent learning environment for students with spacious lecture halls, well-equipped laboratories, and a skills lab with simulation technology. The campus includes a comprehensive library and research facilities for students’ academic needs. Clinical training is offered at the hospital, providing hands-on experience with diverse medical cases.

Auditoriums and seminar halls host academic events, while physical fitness and well-being are promoted through sports, arts, and yoga activities. The campus also offers hostels and recreational facilities for student comfort.

Path Ahead
HIMSR prioritizes innovative pedagogical approaches to create an interactive and student-centered learning environment, fostering critical thinking, problemsolving, and teamwork. Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Team-Based Learning (TBL), and Reflective Practice are incorporated into the curriculum. The institution promotes community engagement through health programs and outreach activities, cultivating social responsibility and exposure to diverse healthcare challenges.

While HIMSR has achieved favorable rankings compared to other private and government medical colleges in Delhi NCR, the institution acknowledges the need for continuous improvement to sustain and strive for excellence. Efforts are being made to provide extraordinary opportunities for students, foster curiosity and critical thinking, integrate cutting-edge technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching, and attract the brightest minds through exceptional research and academic experiences.

HIMSR remains committed to making a positive impact in the community by embracing ingenuity, innovation, and a strong sense of mission.