NOWADAYS we see some so-called specialist doctors are practicing at roadside chambers using nameplates and visiting cards that contain in brackets, such as PGT, BHS, FCPS (Part 1), FCPS (Part 2), MD (in course), MD (Part 1), MD (Part 2), MD (Thesis), MD (last part), MS (in course), MS (Course completed), etcetera.
As an example, PGT means Post Graduation Training. It is not enough to qualify anyone as a specialist doctor. Similarly, the FCPS stands for a Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons cannot be a completed degree. And FCPS (Part 1) means, the person has completed only the first stage of the two-part degree. The matter is all the same for other so-called degrees also; like Fellow (Mumbai, Australia, London), Trained in Child Health, DTCD, DTSI, MPH, DTM&H, FKIT (Korea), MD (PGI), DM (Cardio), and others. These letters represent nothing but short courses or seminars where these doctors might have attended abroad. What’s most troublesome is that, general people, most of whom have no idea about the abbreviations, often consult these doctors thinking they are specialists.
Country’s some universities, including the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, often offer MD, MS and various diploma courses while the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons offer FCPS and MCPS degrees. Though authorities had earlier warned the doctors not to use any degree in visiting cards unless the courses are completed, their cautions went in vain.
There is another controversy which is not solved in the last eight years due to disagreement between the senior medical professionals despite Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had directed the authorities concerned to solve the dispute in 2011. After completing MBBS, it is obligatory for medical students in our country to obtain FCPS and MCPS. But in foreign countries; MD, MS and M Fil degrees are more acceptable for higher education. So, it takes a lot of time to get an MD or other equivalent degree after completing the compulsory FCPS and MCPS. We think, it’s an extra burden for the students and waste of valuable time.
In many cases, the young physicians find no alternative but to use the fellowships in their visiting cards or nameplates for general practicing.
As an example, PGT means Post Graduation Training. It is not enough to qualify anyone as a specialist doctor. Similarly, the FCPS stands for a Fellowship of the College of Physicians and Surgeons cannot be a completed degree. And FCPS (Part 1) means, the person has completed only the first stage of the two-part degree. The matter is all the same for other so-called degrees also; like Fellow (Mumbai, Australia, London), Trained in Child Health, DTCD, DTSI, MPH, DTM&H, FKIT (Korea), MD (PGI), DM (Cardio), and others. These letters represent nothing but short courses or seminars where these doctors might have attended abroad. What’s most troublesome is that, general people, most of whom have no idea about the abbreviations, often consult these doctors thinking they are specialists.
Country’s some universities, including the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, often offer MD, MS and various diploma courses while the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons offer FCPS and MCPS degrees. Though authorities had earlier warned the doctors not to use any degree in visiting cards unless the courses are completed, their cautions went in vain.
There is another controversy which is not solved in the last eight years due to disagreement between the senior medical professionals despite Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had directed the authorities concerned to solve the dispute in 2011. After completing MBBS, it is obligatory for medical students in our country to obtain FCPS and MCPS. But in foreign countries; MD, MS and M Fil degrees are more acceptable for higher education. So, it takes a lot of time to get an MD or other equivalent degree after completing the compulsory FCPS and MCPS. We think, it’s an extra burden for the students and waste of valuable time.
In many cases, the young physicians find no alternative but to use the fellowships in their visiting cards or nameplates for general practicing.
