Program Overview

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Master of Surgery in Neurosurgery Program

The Master of Surgery in Neurosurgery program is a four-year residency training program offered by the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The program aims to train young surgical trainees to become competent neurosurgeons who can provide expert neurosurgical skills to the community, conduct research in neurosciences, and provide continuing training for medical under- and post-graduates.

Background and Course Description

The program is designed to provide comprehensive training in neurosurgery, with a focus on both theoretical and practical aspects. The program consists of two prerequisite years and four years of neurosurgical training. The prerequisite years are designed to provide a foundation in general surgery and neurosurgery, while the four years of neurosurgical training are divided into two parts with three phases.

Program Structure

• Part 1 in Neurosurgery (Phase 1): This phase lasts for one year and focuses on basic neurosurgical sciences, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, neuropharmacology, neuroradiology, and basic neurosurgery.
• Part 2 in Neurosurgery (Phase 2 - Year 2 and 3): This phase lasts for two years and emphasizes operative neurosurgery. Candidates will be attached to recognized training centers and will be expected to acquire expertise in neurosurgical procedures.
• Part 2 in Neurosurgery (Phase 3 - Year 4/Registrar level): This phase lasts for one year and provides advanced training in neurosurgery. Candidates will be expected to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in neurosurgery and will be responsible for managing neurosurgical patients.

Entrance Criteria

To be eligible for the program, candidates must:

• Possess a medical degree (MD, MBBS, MBBCh or equivalent) and be registered/recognized with/by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)
• Fulfill the 2 prerequisite years' criteria
• Pass the MedEx (Medical Specialist Pre-Entrance Examination) and entrance-VIVA
• Meet other requirements, including language proficiency and physical and mental fitness

MedEx Examination

The MedEx examination is a compulsory requirement for entry into the program. The examination consists of 50 questions and is designed to test candidates' knowledge in principles and general sciences in neurosurgery and general surgery.

Syllabus for Entrance MCQ Examination and Interview/VIVA

The syllabus for the entrance MCQ examination and interview/VIVA includes:

• Principles and General Surgical Sciences
• Principles and General Sciences in Neurosurgery

Program Coordinator

The program coordinator is Professor Dr. Zamzuri Idris, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Head of Department, Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Application

Application is made directly via the USM Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS). The closing date of application is 31st October each year for June intake.

Department of Neurosciences

The Department of Neurosciences offers various graduate programs, including:

• Master of Surgery (Neurosurgery)
• Integrated Neuroscience
• Master of Cognitive Neuroscience
• Master of Psychology (Clinical)
• Doctor of Psychology

Research and Publications

The department has various research laboratories, including:

• Neuro Electrophysiology Lab
• Neuro Genetic Lab
• Stem Cell Lab
• ERP Lab
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
• Animal Behaviour Lab

Graduate Programs

The department offers various graduate programs, including:

• Clinical Course: Neurosurgery
• Integrated Neuroscience
• Master of Cognitive Neuroscience
• Master of Psychology (Clinical)
• Doctor of Psychology
• Neurosciences: Research Mode