Bachelor of Medicine And Surgery

 Course Rationale
Kenya has critical gaps in the provision of the medical care services as noted in the Kenya demographic health survey (KDHS) conducted between 2007/08 (KDHS, 2008/2009).  Currently, Kenya has an approximate 14 medical doctors per 100,000 inhabitants and produces an approximate 600 doctors per year with only a third of these graduates remaining within the public health care system. To maintain the ratio of 14:100,000, 2100 physicians must have been trained by the year 2020. To improve access to physician services, Kenya requires training of specialists as well as general and community oriented practitioners.  To attain a ratio of 16 doctors:100,000 residents by the year 2030, at least 3000 doctors will need to be trained.  As the population increases, the medical training must also grow in order to meet the needs and demands imposed by new developments at national and global levels.

In the period of over 45 years since Kenya gained independence, the demand for access to higher education particularly the medical based programmes is far greater than can be met by the products of the current national universities including Nairobi, Moi, Kenyatta, Egerton, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) which offer medical training programmes. Many students are forced to seek training abroad with an approximate Kshs. 500 million worth of foreign exchange being spent. Not only does this situation appear to be “no longer justifiable,” but it is also recognized that the demand will continue to increase more than rate of 4% of population growth per year.

These factors, together with Government Policy on social and economic development, have led Mount Kenya University alongside other universities embark on the establishment of a number of schools in health sciences to offer training at degree and later at post-graduate level in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and in laboratory based preclinical programmes, to try and bridge this gap between Kenya’s need in medical services.                                     

Why study the programme
The programme aims at producing graduates who are: -

1. Competent in understanding and delivering effective, humane, and ethical medical care in diverse resource environments.
2. Committed to research, application of evidence based medicine and life-long learning.
3. Committed to community service and leadership in health care.
4. Committed to foster an environment that promotes communication, collaboration, cultural diversity and internationalization.

Programme Objectives

1.  Apply the knowledge of the core concepts and principles of the biomedical and psychosocial sciences in the provision of healthcare.
2. Communicate effectively with colleagues, patients and their families, the community, and others in the professional setting.
3. Utilize information technology in the management of knowledge, decision-making, medical problem solving, health information systems and research.
4. Apply the process of critical thinking and evidence-based medicine in healthcare
5. Work effectively as a leader and a member of the health delivery team
6. Demonstrate the highest standards of professional integrity, ethical behaviour, and an understanding of and sensitivity to diversity.
7. Apply scientific approaches to medical research and disseminate findings.
8. Demonstrate habits and skills for self-directed and life-long learning, self-reflection and continuous professional development
9. Practice medicine in a community context and contribute to the identification and solving of community health problems with emphasis on prevention of ill-health, promotion and maintenance of good health, and rehabilitation.

Entry Requirements
Candidates wishing to study for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree shall have met the minimum University entry requirements.

In addition, the applicants shall meet the school entry requirements based on the following subject cluster:

• Biology     
• Chemistry    
• Physics/Mathematics
• English

1. K.C.S.E. holders:  A minimum of mean grade B (plain) with a minimum score of B in each of the cluster subjects shown above.
2. Advanced Level Holders - A minimum of 2 principal passes; in Biology, Chemistry, and a subsidiary pass in either Mathematics or Physics.
3. Diploma Holders in Medical Sciences - A minimum "O" level Division II pass or K.C.S.E Mean Grade C (plain) and credit pass C (plain) in the cluster subjects or a minimum of one principal pass and two subsidiaries in the cluster subjects in K.A.C.E (A Levels) in addition to a credit pass in the subsequent professional qualifications from a recognized medical training institution.
4. Holders of any degree in Biological Sciences or equivalent qualifications from a university recognized by the Mount Kenya University senate.
5. Holders of other qualification equivalent to (i - iv) mentioned above and acceptable to university.

Course Duration

1. The duration of the course shall not be less than six academic years and not more than twelve years.
2. All units in the M.B,Ch.B., programme shall be compulsory unless the School Board recommends exemption and senate approves.
3. The academic year in the School of Medicine shall be divided into 3 terms, with a minimum of 44 weeks. Each term shall be 14 or 15 weeks exclusive of any examinations.  

Exemptions and credit transfers
Applicants may transfer credits for similar units taken and passed in other institutions recognized by the university senate in the basic years only.
Applicants seeking transfer of credit shall:

1. Submit a formal application seeking transfer of credits, justification of the request and attach evidence of the credentials which would support such request;
2. Paying the prescribed exemption fee;
3. Clinical units are not transferable.
4. The University reserves the right to administer appropriate test

Fees

Download the most recent fee structure here

Application form

Applications can be downloded here , you can also submit your application online here