PakMed Info Forum

Electives at SIMS/SHL

Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) is a dynamic and progressive new medical college attached to one of the premier tertiary level teaching hospitals of Lahore, Services Hospital. The institute is notable for its distinguished faculty consisting of some of the most experienced medical teachers of the country. A state of the art campus is due to be completed by mid – 2008. A large number of medical students from within the country and from abroad have attended the electives programme at Services Hospital / SIMS. To facilitate the growing number of applicants a centralized electives coordination committee has been formed.

Programme:
The usual duration of the elective programme is about four weeks. Students are attached to a senior consultant in two primary specialties, general surgery and internal medicine and can be rotated to a specialty of their choice (if different from above) for one week during this period. The students attend ward rounds, out patients, A & E departments and operation theaters. They are involved in patients clerking, examination and counseling. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects and academic activities of the host department, such as clinico-pathological conferences and journal club meetings.
The students report their progress to the coordinator electives Programme.

Eligibilty:
Medical students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th year of their medical curriculum, maintaining a GPA 2.5 or above may apply to the elective Programme at SIMS/SHL. We require that the parent institution should be a medical college recognized by the “WHO” (listed in the WHO directory of medical schools)

Requirements
The following documents should be submitted at the time of application.
1) A letter from the dean/ director of the parent institutions.
2) Testimonial / result card certifying the academic standard achieved.
3) Identification (copy of passport / national identity card)

Log Book:
An electives logbook is available from the office of the Programme coordinator on payment of Pak Rs. 500/= .The students have to maintain a daily record of cases seen and academic activities attended by them. The record has to be verified by the supervising consultant as well as the coordinator electives programme. The record forms the basis of the assessment of the student at the end of the Programme.

Certificate:
At the end of the rotation, a performance based certificate will be issued to the students.

About Lahore:
Capital of the province of the Punjab, Lahore is famous for its culture and history. A visit to the many historical monuments from the Mughal era is a must for anyone who wishes to enjoy the true aura of the city. Numbers bustling bazaars and traditional restaurants are also part of the attraction of the city.more details>

• Weather:
  Lahore is characterized by its mild winters and hot summers. The best time to visit Lahore is between October and March.

• Culture & Dress:
  Traditional Pakistani dress is Shalwar-Qameez, although western dress is also becoming common. However the revealing clothes (for both sexes) are out of place in this traditional setup.

• Currency:
  The local currency is the Pak rupee; however numerous currency exchanges and banks accept major international currencies.

• Travel:
  Lahore has an extensive public transport service. In addition, taxis and car rentals are available.

• Accommodation:
  Students may stay in private hotels or guest houses. At present no hostel accommodation is available. (However, the accommodation office can help with a placement outside the SIMS facilities.)

• Food:
  Lahore is a city of restaurants. However most of the traditional food maybe too hot for western paletes. There are many outlets serving continental and oriental food.

• Getting here:
  Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore is accessible by direct flights from UK, USA and from many other countries.

FAQs:

• Question 1:
  Do i have to pay for the Programme?

• Answer 1:
  No. at present the elective Programme is free of charge. However, the students have to bear their own living and travel expenses.

• Question 2:
  Will I be able to get accommodation in the hostel?

• Answer 2:
  No, the students have to make their own arrangements. However the accommodation office may provide them with information and contact numbers to help them make their arrangements.