FIMA Year Book 2009 - Federation of Islamic Medical Associations

Quality Assuranceedge knowledge in his specialty. Qualityresearch addressing the requirementsof society should be based on a strategicplan detailing what is to be achievedwithin the next 2, 5, or 10 or 20 years.The research should be attractive and ofgreat interest and value. Even though itmay be simple but, if it is focused andwell designed, it can still yield usefulresults. Outcome of research must bemonitored by committees of peersand research output shall be judgedfor each individual faculty member aswell as for the faculty as a whole. Thefaculty should have a well representedand empowered research ethicscommittee. Research publicationsmust be periodically evaluated andthose having good impact on teachingand learning, as well as patient care,must be rewarded by all possiblemeans. Faculty members should beasked to present their research findingsat all possible levels both nationally andinternationally.In the Islamic reference, research is anintegral part of life of every Muslim,irrespective of his/ her profession or job:”Verily! In the creation of the heavens andthe earth, and in the alternation of nightand day, there are indeed signs for menof understanding. Those who rememberAllah (always, and in prayers) standing,sitting, and lying down on their sides,and think deeply about the creation ofthe heavens and the earth, (saying):“Our Lord! You have not created (all)this without purpose, glory to You!(Exalted are You above all that theyassociate with You as partners). Give ussalvation from the torment of the Fire (26) .In other verses it has been emphasizedwhy it is essential for Muslim scholarsto indulge into research. Those whoare knowledgeable and those who donot acquire knowledge are never equalaccording to Qur’an. “If you don’t knowask those who know“ (27) . “For everynews there is a reality and you will cometo know” (28)Graduate- Alumni follow upThe most important indicator ofthe quality of a medical educationalsystem is the product (graduates).After graduation they take knowledgeand skills learned to the outside world.Their job performance and characterreflects, to a maximum extent, thequality of education they received.Thus a faculty of medicine shouldfollow up and trace its graduates tofind out their performance in practicallife. This tracing and evaluation can bedone through designed questionnairesor through electronic communicationand even via telephone.Students and staff exchange programsExchange of faculty among like-mindedfaculties, regionally and globally, forshort periods as well as for electivesof students and refresher courses forteachers, will also maintain the qualityin a teaching facility. The students canjoin classes in other faculties and thelecturers can give lectures in otherfaculties. In the process they get to drawcomparisons with other faculties. TheyFIMA YearBook 2009165