In a significant development for the medical community, the Punjab Medical Council (PMC) has granted approval for 61 foreign medical graduates (FMGs) to undertake essential clinical training. These graduates, who have faced unprecedented disruptions to their education due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, are now set to complete their clerkship and one-year internship, paving their way to becoming licensed doctors.
The conflict, which forced many FMGs to finish their final and penultimate years of medical education online, created substantial delays and challenges in their training. As a result, these students were unable to meet the traditional in-person clinical requirements necessary for their medical degrees. Recognizing the extraordinary circumstances faced by these graduates, the PMC has stepped in to facilitate their completion of practical training.
Under the new directive, FMGs who were in their penultimate year will undergo a comprehensive two-year clinical clerkship. This extended clerkship period is designed to ensure they acquire the necessary hands-on experience to complement their online learning. In contrast, those who were in their final year will complete a one-year clerkship, followed by a one-year internship, in alignment with standard procedures for medical graduates.
This decision marks a crucial step in addressing the educational interruptions caused by global conflicts and reflects the PMC’s commitment to supporting medical professionals through unprecedented challenges. By enabling these FMGs to complete their training, the PMC is not only helping them achieve their professional goals but also contributing to the broader healthcare workforce.
