India is one of the most populous countries in the world and faces significant challenges in its healthcare sector. The burden of diseases and disabilities is high, and the country lacks adequate healthcare facilities and services, especially in rural regions. To positively overcome this situation, it is crucial to increase the capacities of medical education in India. Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS) plays a vital role in addressing these challenges by providing quality medical education and adapting to the developments in the field.
Established in 1995, Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) is the first Government-private partnership in the state of Sikkim for higher education and healthcare services. SMIMS, a constituent unit of SMU, was founded in 2001 as the first private medical college in Sikkim. Recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and accredited A+ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), SMIMS has been inspiring students to serve locally, nationally, and internationally while pushing the frontiers of knowledge and educational innovation.
Enhancing the Quality of Medical Education in India
SMIMS continuously contributes to the enhancement of medical education in India in several ways. As the only medical college in Sikkim, it caters to the north-eastern student population and offers evidence-based, quality-enriched education. Despite the challenges in accessibility, SMIMS provides opportunities for students who would otherwise have to seek admission to medical colleges located in Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities. The competency-based medical education program at SMIMS, recognized by the NMC and accredited A+ by NAAC, ensures the holistic development of every student enrolled through high-quality education. Additionally, the college offers scholarships to meritorious students, accompanied by undergraduate and postgraduate level research programs, and various integrative academic and co-curricular facilities for the development of the students, faculty, and staff members.
Equipping Students for a Successful Professional Career
SMIMS understands the importance of preparing students for the industry. The healthcare sector has a global demand for skilled manpower, and SMIMS ensures that its graduates are well-trained for their future roles and responsibilities. The college provides �hands-on� learning experiences, value-added courses, internships, and social welfare opportunities through community-based healthcare practices. It also offers holistic educational and professional development through initiatives like the �teacher-guardian� scheme. As a result, SMIMS graduates have a high employability rate both nationally and internationally, with some even establishing their own practices and firms.
Unique Courses & Teaching-Learning Practices
SMIMS offers a range of robust programs, including a four-and-a-half-year MBBS program for undergraduate students, followed by a one-year internship at the Central Referral Hospital. Additionally, they provide threeyear MD programs in various clinical and para-clinical specialties and three-year MS programs in Orthopaedics, ENT, and OBG. Other programs include four-year B.Sc and M.Sc in Medical Biotechnology, as well as Paramedical Bachelor's courses in Radio diagnosis, Cardiac Cath Lab Technology, and Operation Theatre Technology. The uniqueness of SMIMS's programs lies in their teaching and learning practices. They offer engaging and flexible learning experiences, including remedial classes for students who need additional support. The college's programs undergo rigorous monitoring by the Medical Education Unit, Board of Studies, and Quality Assurance Cell, while external validation is conducted by NAAC, NMC, and UGC. This focus on competence and practical skill-based performances ensures superior outcomes in healthcare delivery. SMIMS aims to enrich the lives of its students by instilling a passion for skill development, adaptability, and resilience in an ever-changing society.
The teaching-learning practices at SMIMS focus on lifelong learning, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and research. Remedial classes, continuous monitoring of program content, and external validations ensure the delivery of competent and practical-based education. "The quality and performance of our faculty members are of utmost importance to us. We have implemented a Faculty Management System to assess their performance, with inputs from both the faculty members and their immediate heads. Recommendations and feedback are provided by higher authorities, and faculty members are mentored to improve their performance. We also offer various resources and opportunities for faculty development, including intramural grants, conference travel assistance, publication guidance, and teaching learning based assessment workshops. Supporting our faculty members' growth is a priority for us�, says Dr. Muralidhar V Pai, Dean, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences.
Modern-Day Infrastructure for Hands-On Training
SMIMS provides a modern-day infrastructure to ensure hands-on training for its students. Smart classrooms, online and offline learning management systems, well-equipped operating theaters, libraries, sports facilities, hostels, and various support services are available to enhance the learning experience. The college has been continuously improving its infrastructure, particularly in the hospital sector, to provide superior practical experiences comparable to international medical colleges.
Innovations in Pedagogy & Path Ahead
The healthcare industry places great importance on patient care and the adoption of advanced technologies for treating diseases and disabilities. �At SMIMS, we emphasize compassionate care through the ATCOM module, which focuses on attitude and communication skills development. We believe that research is crucial for developing innovative and less invasive treatment approaches�, says Dr. Muralidhar. Therefore, SMIMS nurtures a sense of sensitivity towards undergraduate medical research right from the first year, encouraging a problem-solving and innovative mindset. Looking ahead, SMIMS aims to continue its mission of providing high-quality medical education and healthcare services. The college plans to further improve the quality of education through innovative pedagogical approaches. With the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and advancements in technology, SMIMS recognizes the importance of enabling students with the right set of skills to overcome demanding situations, dilemmas, and unforeseen challenges in medical cases. The college aims to incorporate artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into its pedagogy to prepare students for the future of healthcare.
The MBBS education landscape is undergoing significant changes to address the challenges faced by the healthcare sector, in India and globally, for example, the rapid management of COVID-19. Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, is a pioneering institution, through its medical education program and hospital care services that plays a significant role in serving and enhancing the community and the country. With its commitment to quality education, industry alignment, and infrastructure development, SMIMS ensures that its students are exceptionally well-prepared for successful careers in the healthcare industry. As a populous country like India continues to tackle the everincreasing healthcare challenges, institutions like SMIMS are instrumental in producing skilled, dedicated, and knowledgeable healthcare professionals thereby fostering the advancement of medical education in the country.
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