Overview
There are five civil medical universities and one military medical academy in Myanmar (Burma). All medical schools are recognised by Myanmar Medical Council and State Government. They are: University of Medicine 1, Yangon University of Medicine 2, Yangon University of Medicine, Mandalay University of Medicine, Magway University of Medicine, Taunggyi Defence Services Medical Academy
All medical universities in Myanmar offer the undergraduate MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery).
University of Medicine-1, Yangon
The University of Medicine-1, formerly the Institute of Medicine-1, is the oldest of four medical institutions in Myanmar (formerly Burma). The students of four medical universities are selected from the candidates, who pass with the highest science scores in the matriculation examination of Myanmar. The university offers an M.B.B.S. equivalent of the M.D. degree. The University of Medicine-1 has three major campuses: (1) Lanmadaw Township campus, (2) Pyay Road campus, and (3) Thaton Road campus. UM(1)is training 600 doctors every year and 73 postgraduate courses.
History
A course in medical science was first introduced in Burma in 1923-24 at Rangoon College, on the premises of the Rangoon General Hospital. In 1929, the classes were moved to the present building in Lanmadaw Township, the foundation of which was laid by Sir Harcourt Butler, on 2 February 1927. The medical college became a constituent college of the University of Rangoon in 1930.
From 1942 to 1945, during the World War II, there was a temporary suspension of the M.B., B.S. course. A modified course was conducted instead, on the successful completion of which the Licentiate of the State Medical Board (LSMB) was conferred. Although the medical college building remained intact, all the laboratory equipment, and all the mounts and specimens collected in the Pathology and Forensic Medicine Department Museums were completely destroyed, and valuable books from the College library were also lost.
After the war, all the constituent colleges of the reconstituted Rangoon University became Faculties, and the Medical College became the Faculty of Medicine, under the administration of the Dean.
On promulgation of the University Education Act in May, 1964, the Institutes of Medicine were established. In 1973, the administration of the three medical Institutes and the Institute of Dental Medicine was transferred to the Ministry of Health, and came under the direct control of the Department of Medical Education, now known as the Department of Health Manpower.
Post-graduate courses were instituted at the three Institutes of Medicine in 1964, the Dean of the courses being responsible to the Rector for their organization and administration. With the addition of new courses in 1970, the Board of Postgraduate Medical Studies came under the administration of the Director. With the institution of the Department of Medical Education in 1973, the Board has been under the direct charge of the Director-General of the Department of Medical Education, now known as the Department of Health Manpower.
Courses offered and degree awarded
The M.B. and B.S. course work extends over seven years.
Subjects taught
First M.B., B.S.
Language & Communication
Burmese
English
Mathematics & statistics
Physics
Chemistry
Botany
Zoology
Traditional Medicine (30 hours)
Second M.B., B.S. Anatomy Medical Physiology Medical Biochemistry
Third M.B., B.S. General pathology Microbiology Pharmacology
Students are also posted for six months each to the medical and surgical wards for clinical training.
Final M.B., B.S. Part I
Forensic Medicine
Preventive and Social Medicine (with three weeks residential field training in the rural areas) Systemic Pathology and haematology
Students attend lectures and clinics in medicine, surgery, child health, obstetrics & gynecology, and are posted to the various teaching hospitals, including posting in Departments of Preventive and Social Medicine for visiting urban health facilities.