The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (M.D.) degree course, offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Malta, has just been accredited by both the Association of Medical Schools (AMSE) and the German accreditation agency (ASIIN).

This follows a pilot accreditation procedure conducted on six European medical degrees carried out by these two agencies. Out of these, only three medical degrees successfully achieved both the AMSE and ASIIN accreditation certificates for a period of five years.

The accreditation procedure is a rigorous process involving not just the submission of relevant documentation but also a two-day on site visit at UM. The Self-Assessment Report and supportive documentation were assessed by an Expert Panel, the AMSE Executive Committee, the ASIIN Technical Committee and the ASIIN Accreditation Commission. In April 2019, members of the Expert Panel conducted the audit visit at the University of Malta. This included meetings with all stakeholders and the inspection of teaching facilities.

Each of these four bodies independently agreed to accredit the M.D. Degree Course of the University of Malta unconditionally until 30 September 2024. The Technical Committee concluded that the University of Malta has taken up the suggestions and proposals of the experts in an exemplary manner. The Doctor of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Malta is now listed in the ASIIN online register of Accredited Degree Programmes.

This certification confirms that the M.D. Degree Course awarded by the University of Malta satisfies the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area and the criteria of the Standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

As a result of the accreditation of the M.D. Degree by AMSE and ASIIN, University of Malta medical graduates have more opportunities for mobility and lifelong learning at an international level.  The AMSE-ASIIN certification is recognised by the United States (US) Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). With effect from 2023, only medical graduates from accredited institutions which satisfy the WFME standards will be considered for specialist training in the US.

This accreditation is another important external quality assurance mechanism. It is also a significant achievement which certifies the quality and standards of the teaching offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Malta. Next week a total of 170 students will graduate as Doctors of Medicine and Surgery.