PM&DC issues new faculty appointment, promotion guidelines for medical, dental colleges

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC), the governing body overseeing medical and dental education in the country, has issued a notification regarding faculty appointments and promotions. This directive follows the decisions made during the council’s 12th meeting held on January 5, 2025.

The notification addresses several key areas concerning faculty members in medical and dental colleges across Pakistan, reflecting the council's efforts to standardize and enhance academic and professional standards in medical education.

Equivalence of Experiential Registrar:

In a significant move, the PM&DC has decided that the position of Experiential Registrar shall now be considered equivalent to that of a Senior Registrar. This decision is expected to streamline career progression pathways for faculty members and ensure experienced professionals receive appropriate recognition.

Eligibility of Level II or Equivalent Degree Holders:

The council has announced that holders of Level-II qualifications in basic sciences will be eligible for appointment as Professors until December 31, 2025. This provision offers an important opportunity for faculty members with specialized academic credentials to advance to senior academic roles.

MPH Holders with BDS Qualifications:

Another major development pertains to faculty in dental colleges. The notification clarifies that holders of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degrees who also possess a Master of Public Health (MPH) qualification, and are already appointed in dental colleges, will be allowed to retain their positions as Associate Professors—but only within the discipline of community dentistry. The council emphasized that moving forward, no new appointments will be permitted unless the BDS holders possess a minimum Level II-B qualification in community dentistry.

Non-Medical PhD Holder Faculty:

The PM&DC has also addressed the standing of non-medical faculty in teaching institutions. Non-medical faculty members with PhD qualifications, along with requisite experience and publications, will be granted experience equivalence and will be eligible for promotion to the level of Professor. This decision aims to encourage and retain qualified non-medical educators within the academic framework of medical and dental institutions.

The notification concludes with a directive for all institutions to comply with these updated Experience and Faculty regulations, underscoring the PM&DC’s commitment to maintaining high standards of medical education and faculty development.