Online Inaugural Ceremony and First Academic Session

This diploma is offered in a blended learning mode and has online as well as practical training components. The online component is self-paced with flexibility to adjust to the working schedules of doctors. Interactive live sessions with specialists, the research practicum, formal assessments and clinical rotations are also designed to meet the busy schedule of doctors.

There are two components of assessment. Written exams comprise 100 multiple choice questions to be completed in three hours. The practical component includes OSCE, workplace-based assessment, the research practicum, and clinical rotations with specialists and advanced practitioners.

Participants are required to complete both components to earn a certificate. Clinical rotations are only for doctors with less than five years' experience; those with more than five years are required to attend workshops if not previously completed through CPSP.

Participants who successfully complete both courses receive two certificates from Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University: the Diploma in Family Medicine and the certificate course in mental health and research for Universal Health Coverage. The certificate is supported by the World Health Organization, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Pakistan, and the British Asian Trust.

The hands-on research practicum gives participants an opportunity to integrate and apply research knowledge and skills from coursework in their own area of interest in mental health, under the supervision of the faculty.

There are two tracks. Those with less than five years' experience take a full-time course. Those with five or more years of clinical practice take the part-time course and are required to complete online lectures and workshops if not previously done through CPSP.

Training for the diploma and certificate course is organised throughout Pakistan. Family medicine attachments and hospital rotations are arranged within the candidate's district of residence. Only candidates from Islamabad, Rawalpindi and nearby cities are trained at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University affiliated departments.

Yes. Participants complete modules on mental health problems and their management, practical skills and an introduction to implementation research, alongside the principles of family medicine, and complete a six-month research practicum to earn the certificate.

The certificate course in Mental Health and Research for Universal Health Coverage is currently offered as part of the Diploma in Family Medicine only. Candidates who wish to enrol in the six-month certificate course are required to complete the diploma as well.

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Kamoke, Samundri, Okara, Multan, Bahawalpur, Vehari, Mian Channu, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Dera Ghazi Khan, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Badin, Naushahro Feroze, Khushab, Taxila, Wah Cantt., Layyah, Kasur, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Jhang, Pattoki, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Peshawar, Swat, Lower Dir, Karak and Abbottabad.