MBBS In Sohag University Faculty of Medicine

While in most cases, faculties of medicine are parts of the same university since their establishment, Sohag Faculty of Medicine had its peculiarities. Indeed, it was founded according to a republic decree issued in 1978; however, classes started only in 1991. Until 2006, the faculty was a part of Assiut University and operated as a branch situated at a considerable distance from the headquarter (about 190 km). Then, in 1995, the faculty was moved to South Valley University, which was opened in Qena.

In 2006, the university of Sohag was created. Thus, in that very year, the faculty got into the structure of an independent institution, in contrast to previous cases when it was operated as a part of universities based in another city. The complicated history of the faculty becomes an integral part of its character. While most of Egyptian universities have their faculties of medicine within the same university, Sohag has gone through a number of institutions' structures.

As for the present state of the institution, 2017 can be considered a new beginning. From that year, the university started putting Sohag Faculty of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals in the focus of its activity. The process of expanding and investing in academic infrastructure is intensifying rapidly.

Nowadays, the faculty can be defined as an institution undergoing the development processes and implementing changes rather than relying on traditions. The original campus, which was being developed step-by-step since 1990s, operates alongside with new buildings. Expanding projects even reach New Sohag City. All of them testify to the process of improvement, which takes place now.

Among the most recent additions is the Smart Education Building in New Sohag City. This building is part of an expanding project initiated by the university. Besides, there is a Sohag International Airport in the vicinity of the faculty, what increases access for foreign students. This advantage separates the institution from many other Upper Egyptian universities.

Academically, the faculty has 31 departments in total. Out of them about ten departments operate as departments of basic medical science and twenty-one departments are devoted to clinical education. In that way, the structure of the faculty resembles the majority of Egyptian medical schools in its departments' distribution.

For international and Indian students, the program of studying includes the same structure as in other Egyptian medical schools. It implies studying for five years and then internship for 1-2 years. There is information that internship is performed for two years; however, its duration can vary depending on regulatory requirements. Future students have to contact the university for the latest information regarding it.

For two first years of the study, students attend lectures of departments of basic science in order to learn anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and other basics of medical science, which are the foundation of future clinical education. Then, starting with the third year, the course becomes clinical.

From the third year onwards, the education takes place at Sohag University Hospitals or other affiliates of the university. Students get knowledge in specialties of internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. At the stage of internship, the trainees have supervised responsibility for patients at healthcare facilities.

Another frequently asked question of applicants is whether the complex history of the faculty impacts the recognition of its degree negatively. First of all, in terms of recognition, the answer is negative because the program is accredited by Egypt's National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE).

Sohag Faculty of Medicine is included in international medical directories and recognized by corresponding international organizations. So, the graduates of the faculty follow the same pathways of accreditation as graduates of other Egyptian universities do. In particular, the graduates of Sohag Medical School can go through licensing procedures in India (NMC process), the USA (USMLE), and the UK (PLAB). In that way, regarding recognition issues, the situation is similar to the rest of Egyptian universities. The recognition factor is not among distinguishing features of the institution.

One of the factors that distinguishes the institution is its relatively low cost. Tuition fees per year usually range between USD 4,500 and USD 6,500. In this case, the university ranks among less expensive public medical schools in Egypt. Total costs of the program are usually estimated in the range of USD 27,000-USD 39,000.

Contrary to some private universities, there are no donation fees or capitation fees in Sohag Faculty of Medicine. That is why the expenses of the future student and his/her family are predictable. Low costs are the main reason for choosing Sohag University for studies.

Sohag itself is located on the western bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt. In comparison with Cairo or Alexandria, it has a quieter and more provincial atmosphere. Expenses on accommodation, transportation, and food are lower. Many students prefer Sohag because of this reason.

Students' accommodation is divided by gender. Besides that, hostels provide Wi-Fi, study rooms, and security services for the residents. Among the newest buildings, there are gym facilities available. Healthcare services are available at the campus too. They are used for everyday medical treatment and in emergency situations.

Departmental structure of the faculty is an important aspect of student experience. About ten departments specialize in basic medical sciences and teach preclinical subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and so on. The main goal of students in these departments is to form the basis of knowledge in sciences.

The honest way to frame Sohag, then, is as a faculty still visibly in the middle of building out its own identity after decades of being administered by other universities. That is a real trade-off against a school with a century of unbroken institutional continuity, but it is also why tuition sits where it does, and why a family choosing Sohag over Assiut or Ain Shams is typically choosing lower cost and a smaller, newer campus over an older name, rather than choosing a materially different degree.