The Chennai-based Sri Ramachandra University (SRU), which runs a popular medical college, is the first examination centre in the country for the Part II clinical examination of the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.Dr Neil Dewhurst, head of the Royal College of Physicians in London and Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (UK), signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday with S Rangaswami, Vice-Chancellor of SRU in this regard. The Ramachandra University is the fourth such centre in South Asia. The other centres are in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. Dr Dewhurst said SRU was chosen as it had the necessary infrastructure and facilities, laboratories and the required staff.The clinical examination has two parts, theory and practical. The theory exam is held in 26 countries, and the clinical (practical) examination in nine countries. Those who pass the theory paper can take the skills tests. The clinical examination is held over three days. About 45 students will sit for the examination at SRU.The SRU held a “pilot examination” recently with junior doctors-in-training from Pakistan, Australia and Britain taking the examination. Students with an MBBS degree and 18 months’ experience can appear for the Part I examination.While the qualification is recognised internationally, it is mandatory in the US for doctors to undergo a few tests before being permitted to practise in that country.
