MEDICAL DEGREE

STUDENT
HANDBOOK

MEDICAL DEGREE
STUDENTS
2023-2024
MEDICAL EDUCATION
Department

AN-NAJAH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF MEDICINE AND
HEALTH SCIENCES
 Preamble
The Medical Degree Student Handbook is
offered to MD students by the Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) and
the Medical Education Department (MED).
__:.:;;.;;;;;;r-
This handbook serves as a guide for your
academic, clinical, and extracurricular life to
help you enjoy the experience as an MD
student.

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

"Our esteemed students,

You are about to have a fascinating experience that
will shape your personality for a stunning success
and change your lives forever. University life is full of
interesting events and discoveries, but is also
challenging.
Enrolling in the Medical Degree Program is a choice
you have made to serve humanity and take care of
people’s wellbeing. Your path will be thrilling and
this experience is a challenge worth taking despite
the difficulties you will face.
Allah says in the Holy Quran that ‘whoever saves a
life is as though he had saved all mankind’.
DR.KHALIL ISSA Remember my dear students, achieving your
dreams takes time. Be kind to yourselves, but also do
DEAN OF FACULTY OF not ignore others’ rights and those who you will
MEDICINE AND HEALTH take care of through your career. Enjoy the
SCIENCES experience! “

2
 CONTENT:

A Message from the Dean 2

History of Faculty of medicine and health sciences 4
Vision, Mission, Objectives, and Values 5
Diversity and Inclusion at FMHS 6
Offices of FMHS 7
Learning and Teaching Facilities 11
Building 19 10
Building 17 10
Building 24 10
Old Campus Classrooms 10
Medicine Department's Laboratories 11
Biomedical Sciences Department's Laboratories 11
Nursing and Midwifery Department's Laboratories 12
Pharmacy Department's Laboratories 12
Computer Laboratories 13
Applied and Allied Medical Sciences Department's Laboratories 13
Libraries 14
Medical Degree Program 15
Program Learning Objectives (PLO)s 16
Overall Curriculum 17
Requirements to Transfer to the Clinical Phase 20
Advisory plan for the Clinical phase 21
Safety and Ethics 22
Assessment methods. 23
External Evaluation 24
Grading system: 25
Practical Training for Doctor of Medicine Program 27
Research Project 31
Policies 32
Welcome day 33
Student Support at Faculty of Medicine and health sciences 34
Financial Support 34
Scholarships and grants 35
Student loans 37
Medical Support 38
Psychological and social support 40
Academic Support 41
Appeal System 42
Misconduct 43
Student feedback on assessment 44
Students Satisfaction 45

3
 History of FMHS

■ 1992 was the year when the first health sciences program, namely; medical laboratory
sciences, was established at An-Najah National University (ANU). All medical and health
faculties and programs were restructured under the umbrella of "Faculty of Medicine and
Health Sciences (FMHS)" in 2011, also after which several health sciences programs were
created, reaching nowadays 16 undergraduate and 16 post graduate programs.
■ The "Faculty of Medicine" (now represented in two departments; the department of
biomedical sciences and the department of medicine at FMHS), was established in 1999 in
cooperation with Al-Quds and Al-Azhar universities, as the administration headquarter
was located on Al-Quds University Campus, and other administrations were at ANU in
Nablus and Al-Azhar University in Gaza according to specific administrative terms and
conditions.
■ In the academic year 2006-2007, the “Faculty of Medicine” started offering clinical
education after obtaining approval from the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher
Education and was officially recognized as an independent medical college by the
ministry in the academic year 2007-2008.
■ In 1994 the faculty of pharmacy was established, in 2004, Optometry and Nursing faculties
(all are now parts of FMHS), in 2020 the new department of applied and allied medical
sciences, and in 2021 the dentistry department, while in 2006 Forensic Medicine Institute
were founded, and all added to the FMHS. With regards to child’s health, An-Najah Child
Institute; known today as Palestinian Child Institute, was founded in 2010. In 2015, An-Najah
Bioequivalence Center, known today as An-Najah Bioscience Unit (NBU) was established.
■ In 2013, ANU and FMHS established An-Najah National University Hospital (NNUH), which
is the only teaching hospital in Palestine. The hospital offers distinguished and high
standard multilevel healthcare services, and clinical education and training to future and
current healthcare providers.

Currently, FMHS has the following six academic departments:

l. Department of Biomedical Sciences.
2. Department of Medicine.
3. Department of Pharmacy.
4. Department of Nursing and Midwifery.
5. Department of Applied and Allied Medical Sciences.
6. Department of Dentistry & Dental Surgery

The faculty also includes two Dean's assistant structures, namely, Office for Higher
Education and Medical Education Department (MED), which hosts the Scientific Research
Unit (SRU) and all medical education-related committees.

FMHS is currently home to approximately 8000 students from all over Palestine, who are
enrolled in different “Health Sciences Programs”.

To learn more about the FMHS, please click HERE

Vision, Mission, Goals, and
Values

•
Vision
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences aspires to be a leading
school of Medicine and Health Sciences in the region.

Mission
The faculty aims to provide qualified students who will be future health
care scientists and professionals, with high quality medical and health
education components; learning, teaching, training and research for
the sake of delivering excellent patient care in Palestine and the region
based on our commitment to excellence, social accountability, and
lifelong learning

Goals
The faculty aims to:

•Provide the Palestinian community with highly qualified

physicians who are capable of dealing effectively with the
health problems of individuals and of the community as a
whole.
•Offer Palestinian students, in Palestine and abroad, the
opportunity to study in their home country.
•Provide Palestinian and foreign students with the best basic
and clinical knowledge and training through updated learning
strategies.
•Produce competitive graduates who are nationally and
internationally capable of continuing distinguished specialty
training in Palestine and abroad.
•Develop a comfortable medical and health research
environment to address health challenges faced by the human
society.
•Attract Palestinians and international health care scientists and
professionals who can contribute to advancing knowledge and
practice.
•Advocate for improvements in community health and
healthcare systems

Values
Humanity.
Professionalism.
Respect.
Accountability.
Integrity.
Credibility.
Health Wellbeing.
Innovation.
lnclusivity.
Volunteering.
FMHS has always welcomed students from all over the world
(in terms of admission and students’ exchange). The faculty
stands against racism and discrimination and accepts all
students from different backgrounds with different races,
ethnicities, etc… We value diversity among our students, and
we strive to create a welcoming environment for all equally.

ANU has already created several policies to address access and

participation policies as well as women’s right policies and
gender equality policy to fight all types of discrimination,
racism and inequity and advocate justice and opportunities
for all.

To learn more about these policies, please press HERE

0 Dean's office
The Dean’s Office is the senior leader responsible and
accountable for providing leadership for the faculty’s
medical education and research, and for the entire
faculty’s strategic planning. It is a hub for communication
between the faculty and the university administration.
The duties of the office are performed by the Dean and the
general secretariats report to the dean and support him/
her

0 Medical Education Department

FMHS is one of the most prestigious faculties in Palestine and has always been doing
its best to offer students, and faculty staff the best experience on the path to
professional healthcare providers. Therefore, the foundation of the MED is one of the
most important accomplishments of FMHS. The department was established in 2020
to address the continuous development of medical and health education.
MED:

■ Provides guidance for all departments and units of FMHS.

■ Plays an important role in the continued development and improvements of the
quality of the learning-teaching process, and scientific research.
■
Monitors progress and provides management and oversight of the required
medical school curriculum including courses, programs, assessment, and
evaluation.
■
Plays a great role when it comes to creating and implementing the faculty's
strategic plan.
■ Seeks better education and teaching experience for all students, by creating and
developing prominent medical and health programs and obtaining international
accreditations.

0
To learn more about MED, please press HERE

Scientific Research Unit SRU

SRU was established within FMHS in 2011 as an office to organize

students’research projects after establishing the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in
2010. Then, it became an internal responsibility performed by an assigned staff
member supervised by the Dean/Vice Dean in 2014, and the responsible staff
member is invited to participate in all FMHS council meetings.

In 2018, the office was officially approved by ANU as a unit (SRU) with an assigned
director recognized as an official member of FMHS council

With 2020 approval of the MED, SRU is a bureau within MED that is responsible for
organizing students’ research projects, and coordinating the “Clinical Research
Office” at NNUH and all research activities and labs at FMHS. The expansion of SRU
demonstrates the importance of commitment to research in FMHS.
To learn more about SRU and its Laboratories, please press HERE
7
0 Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office
The An-Najah IRB is composed of twelve members representing the faculties of Medicine and Health
Sciences (including all components), Sciences, Arts, Engineering and Physical Education. It also has a
university attorney and a Sharea'a expert who are familiar with local regulations and laws, as well as two
lay individuals who are familiar with human research. There is also an Ex-Officio non-voting member
who represents the administration (the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences). The Board
is chaired by Dr. Hasan Fitian, MD, who has been charged also with IRB continuous development at the
institution. To ensure that the staff is familiar with research issues and the issues that led to the
formation of the Board, all members must complete an online course on Human Participant
Protections Education for Research Teams.
To learn more a bout IRB office, please press HERE

� Dean's AssistantOffice of Graduate Studies/Postgraduate Programs

for Health and Medical Studies
To learn more about the office, please press HERE

0 Department of Pharmacy
The Department of Pharmacy office includes a Director, 2 division heads, as well as a secretary.
This department was established as a faculty in 1994 to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, and
later another program of “pharm D”.
In 2011, as a part of the University policy to restructure health faculties and departments, the Faculty of
Pharmacy was merged with the departments of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.
To learn more about the department and its staff, please press HERE

G Department of Biomedical Sciences

The Department of Biomedical Sciences includes a Director, 4 division heads, as well as a secretary.

Prior to the year when all health science faculties and programs were gathered under the umbrella
of the FMHS, 2011, and since 2006, the department was run as the Office of Deputy Dean (of the
Faculty of Medicine) for Biomedical Sciences (BmS).

From 1999 (when the Faculty of Medicine was established at ANU) until 2006 (when clinical stage
wa s run independently by the Fa culty a t ANU), the work of the Fa culty of Medicine wa s merely
concerned with Ba sic Biomedica l Sciences. In 2011, the Depa rtment of Biomedica l Sciences
was established.
From 2022, a new a dmission policy to the Medica l degree progra m wa s a dopted by the
Stakeholder committee. All students must pass an entrance exam to fullfill
the requirements for joining the Medical Program. A personal interview may be required.
To learn more about the department and its staff,
please press HERE
0 Department of Medicine
The Department of Medicine includes a Director, 7 division heads, as well as a
secretary.
The Department of Medicine (formerly known as the Faculty of Medicine before
it became a department at the FMHS) was established in 1999-2000 as part of
the Palestinian Faculty of Medicine founded in collaboration with Al-Quds
University in Jerusalem District and Al-Azhar University in Gaza. The
establishment of this faculty was in response to recommendations submitted
by national and international experts who believed that it was essential to have a faculty of medical
education in Palestine. Initially, ANU Faculty of Medicine admitted enrollees and offered basic sciences
teaching over three preclinical years. Then students were to move to Al – Quds University for their
clinical education. In 2006-2007, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research approved the inception
of clinical phase education at ANU. In 2007-2008, the Faculty of Medicine was recognized as an
independent Faculty within ANU.
At the beginning of the academic year (2011-2012), all health faculties were restructured within the
FMHS. Back then, the Faculty included four departments: Bio-Medical Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, and
Nursing and Midwifery. During the academic year 2020, the Department of Applied and Allied Medical

0
Sciences was established, and during 2021 the Department of Dentistry was established too. To learn
more about the department and its staff, please press HERE

Department of Nursing and Midwifery

The Department of Nursing and Midwifery includes a Director, 2 division heads, as well as a secretary.
The Faculty of Nursing was established in 2004. During the time, this faculty was the only one to offer a
Bachelor's degree in nursing in north of the West Bank, then in 2 years it started offering midwifery
program.
During the academic year 2011-2012, the nursing faculty was merged with the other health faculties at
NNUH under the umbrella of the FMHS. Currently, the Department of Nursing and Midwifery is one of
the six major academic departments of the FMHS.

B
To learn more about the department and its staff, please press HERE

Department of Applied and Allied Medical Sciences

The Department of Applied and Allied Medical Sciences includes a Director, 6 heads of divisions, as
well as a secretary. The department was founded in 2020 and consists of several divisions.
To learn more about the department and its staff, please press HERE

@ Department of Dentistry & Dental Surgery

The Department of Dentistry & Dental Surgery includes a Director,
as well as a secretary, and was established as a part of the FMHS
in 2021. Divisions are in the scope of the foundation gradually. The
department includes pre-clinical training laboratories like
prosthodontics, and conservative and endodontic labs. The
department staff members supervise students in both pre-
clinical labs and during clinical training. Students are taught by
the Faculty staff with higher degrees. Extra-curricular activities are
encouraged in the department to develop different students’
skills. 9
D
O
OQ
OVERALL CURRICULUM

In order to obtain a Doctor of Medicine degree, you need to complete

successfully two phases; the basic phase and the clinical phase.
The basic phase requires you to successfully pass the basic biomedical program.
Over six years, the medical student at FMHS should complete 266 credit hours
(CH) successfully, divided into two phases:

• Basic Biomedical sciences (BmS) phase

Period of study: The basic biomedical sciences program consists of 131 credit
hours (CH) distributed over year 1, year 2, and year 3. Each year is divided into
two semesters (first and second) plus a summer semester. The courses are
distributed as university compulsory courses (student must complete 19 CH),
specialty compulsory courses for basic medical sciences (student must
complete 87 CH), elective courses (student must complete 25 CH).
NB: elective courses are ones which are elective for merely the bachelor of
BmS, while specific courses are compulsory to be taken as requirements to
continue MD program

• Clinical Medical Sciences (CnMS) phase

Period of Study: The Doctor of Medicine program (clinical phase) consists of
135 credit hours CH) distributed over year 4, year 5, and year 6. (40-48, 42-50,
(
and 45-53 CHs; respectively). All courses are compulsory.

- 77 -
 MEDICAL DEGREE (MD) PROGRAM
ADVISORY PLAN FOR THE BIOMEDICAL
SCIENCES PHASE (BASIC PHASE)
Advisory plan for the basic biomedical medical sciences
The basic biomedical sciences program consists of 131 credit hour (CH) distributed over Year 1, Year 2, and Year
3. Each year is divided into two semesters (first and second semester) plus summer semester. The courses are
distributed as university compulsory courses (student must complete 19 CH), specialty compulsory courses for basic
medical sciences (student must complete 87 CH), elective courses (student must complete 25 CH).
Year 1 /1stsemester
Compulsory courses Elective courses
Course number Course name CH
7101101 Introduction to anatomy 2
7104101 General biology for HS 3
The student can choose 2 CHs from the list of elective
7108101 Biophysics 3
courses.
7227102 First Aid 1
The program coordinator offers cell biology.
10231114 General Chemistry for HS 3
10231115 General chemistry for HS Lab 1
University Compulsory Course 3
University Compulsory Course 3
Sub total 19 2
Total 21

Year 1 /2ndsemester
Compulsory courses Elective courses
Course number Course name CHs
7101201 Anatomy limbs and back. 3
7101200 Anatomy limbs and back LAB 0
7104210 Principles of &Metabolic Biochemistry 3 The student can choose 1 CHs from the list of
7104211 Principles of &Metabolic Biochemistry LAB 1 elective courses.

10231239 Organic Chemistry I for HS Lab 1 The program coordinator offers:

10231236 Organic Chemistry I for HS 3 History of medicine and pharmacy
7103101 Histology I 2 Communication skills
10216235 Biostatistics for Medical and HS students 3
7227202 medical ethics 1
University Compulsory Course 3
Sub total 20 1
Total 21
Year 2 /1 semester
st

Compulsory courses Elective courses

Course number Course name CHs
7102201 Medical Physiology I 4
7104212 Molecular Biochemistry 2
7104213 Molecular Biochemistry LAB 1
7105403 Microbiology General 3
7105404 Microbiology General LAB 1
7106201 Public health & Epidemiology 3
7106201 Behavioral Sciences 3
7101102 Anatomy Thorax Abdomen Pelvis 3
7101200 Anatomy Thorax Abdomen Pelvis LAB
0

Sub total 20
Total 18 20
Table A.1: Advisory plan for the basic biomedical medical sciences

Year 2 /2nd semester

Compulsory courses Elective courses
Course number Course name CHs
7104214 Human Genetics 2
7102202 Medical Physiology II 4
7102212 Medical Physiology Lab 0
7309201 Pharmacology I 4
7105302 Microbiology Medical 4
7106301 Nutrition 2
7101202 Anatomy Head & neck 2
7103102 Histology II 2
University Compulsory Courses 1
Sub total 21
Total 21
Year 3 /1st semester
Compulsory courses Elective courses
Course number Course name CHs The student can choose 3 CHs from the list of elective courses.
7103301 Pathology I 5 The program coordinator offers
7105306 Immunology 3 Endocrinology
7309202 Pharmacology II 4 Environmental toxicology
Neuroanatomy 3 Pharmacy ethics and professionalism
University Compulsory Courses 3
Sub total 18 3
Total 21

Year 3 /2nd semester

Compulsory courses Elective courses
Course number Course name CHs The student can choose 3 CHs from the list of elective courses.
7103302 Pathology II 5 The program coordinator offers
7103310 Pathology LAB 0 Endocrinology
7227301 Clinical Psychology 3 Embryology
7105307 Lab Methods 3
Hematology 3
Science & Art of Clinical Medicine 4
Sub total 18 3
Total 21

Summer course
Compulsory courses Elective courses
The student must register the remaining three CHs from the list of compulsory courses.
Total 6
Notes: several important courses during the basic phase such as Medical Ethics, Anatomy Limbs & Back, Anatomy Head & Neck,
Neuroanatomy, and Hematology, are listed as elective courses. In order to comply with MD program requirements and be able
to make the transfer to the clinical medical sciences phase of the study, the students must register these courses.
Last updated: Director of basic biomedical sciences program on September 2021 ,01
Last Reviewed and Approved: Medical Program Committee September 2021 ,20 – MPC meeting
Last reviewed and approved: Basic curriculum committee
19 & medical program committee November 2022
REQUIREMENTS TO TRANSFER TO
THE CLINICAL PHASE
The student is eligible to transfer to the clinical phase if s/he fulfills the fol­
lowing requirements:

■ Complete all requirements and 131 CHs of BmS program and have a Bachelor's degree in BmS.
■ Complete the elective courses needed as obligatory for the MD program. In table A.1, these courses are written
within the compulsory courses’ column. The courses are Anatomy Limbs & Back and its Lab, Anatomy Head and
Neck, Neuroanatomy, Medical Ethics, Hematology, and Science & Art of Clinical Medicine.
■ Spend a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years in the BmS program
■ Maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) ≥2.5 on a four GPA scale.

■ Earn a grade of ≥ 60% to pass each course of BmS.

■ Pass the TOEFL English language exam or IELTS with minimum scores of 500 for TOEFL and 6.5
for IELTS.
■ The students must pass an entrance exam, which is conducted through the Department of
Medicine to allow students to transfer to the clinical phase.

To learn more, please press HERE

The DcM program The Doctor of Medicine program (clinical phase) consists of
735 credit hours (CHs) distributed over year 4, year 5, and year 6. (40-48, 42-50, and
45-57 CHs; respectively). All courses are compulsory.
Generally, one credit hour equals one full-time week (with few exceptions in year
6). For example, the 4 CH psychiatry course means 4 full-time weeks in a clinical
rotation at the psychiatry hospital and/or clinics.
Table A.2 describes the 3 years of the clinical phase.
■ In year 4, Internal Medicine – Junior, and General Surgery - Junior, are
delivered through 12 weeks each. OB -GYN – Junior is delivered though 8
weeks, and psychiatry through 4 weeks.
■ In year 5 "Orthopedics, Traumatology, and Surgical Emergencies" include:
Orthopedics and Traumatology (4 weeks), Surgical Emergencies (3 weeks) and
Neurosur­gery (7 week).
■ "Selected Medical Specialties" includes Dermatology, Radiology, Anesthesia,
and Family Medicine; 2 weeks each.
■ "Clinical Neurosciences and Related Subjects" include Clinical Neuroscience (3
weeks), ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat; 3 weeks) and Ophthalmology (2 weeks).
■ "Forensic Medicine " includes lecture and when possible, students participate
in post-mortem examinations (autopsy) at the Institute of Forensic Medicine
located at FMHS
■ In Year 6, Interna I Medicine -Senior, and Genera I Surgery -Senior a re 4 days/
week courses, and the 5th day of each week is devoted for students' research
projects which usually involves working in labs or collecting data. Each of
these 2 courses is delivered through 8 weeks. Pediatrics­Senior, OB-
GYN-Senior and Community Medicine are S days/week courses. which are
delivered through 6 weeks, 6 weeks, and 4 weeks respectively.
 MEDICAL DEGREE (MD) PROGRAM
ADVISORY PLAN FOR THE CLINICAL
MEDICAL SCIENCES (DOCTOR OF MEDICINE)
The Doctor of Medicine program (Clinical phase) consists of 135 credit hour (CH) distributed over Year 4, Year 5, and Year 50-42 ,48-40( .6, and 57-45 CHs;
respectively). All courses are compulsory.
Generally, one CH equals one full-time week (with some exceptions in Year 6). For example, the 4 CH psychiatry course means 4 full-time weeks in a clinical
rotation at the psychiatry hospital and/or clinics.
Next table describes the 3 years of the clinical phase.
• “Orthopedics, Traumatology, and Surgical Emergencies” include: Orthopedics and Traumatology (4 weeks), Surgical Emergencies (3 weeks) and Neurosurgery (1 week).
• “Selected Medical Specialties” includes Dermatology, Radiology, Anesthesia, and Family Medicine; 2 weeks each.
• “Clinical Neurosciences and related subjects” include Clinical Neuroscience (3 weeks), ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat; 3 weeks) and Ophthalmology (2 weeks).
• “Forensic Medicine “includes lecture and when possible, students participate in post-mortem examinations (autopsy) at the Institute of Forensic Medicine
located at the FMHS
• In Year 6, Internal Medicine –Senior and General Surgery –Senior are 4 days/week courses, and the 5th day of each week is devoted for students’ research
projects which usually involves working in labs or collecting data. Pediatrics –Senior, OB-GYN–Senior and Community Medicine are 5days/week courses.

Advisory plan for the MD program: All compulsory Courses

Year 4
Course number Course name Weeks CH
7000401 Research Methods for Clinical Sciences# None* 2
7221401 Internal Medicine – Junior 12 12
7222401 General Surgery – Junior 12 12
7224401 OB-GYN Junior 8 8
7227401 Psychiatry 4 4
7405402 Women’s Health Issues# None* 2
7226501 Elective Medicine: can be done at end of Y4 OR Y5 OR Y6 4 4
7225501 Elective Surgery: can be done at end of Y4 OR Y5 OR Y6 4 4
Total 36 48-40
Year 5
Course number Course name Weeks CH
7223501 Pediatrics – Junior 12 12
7225502 Orthopedics, Traumatology& Surgical Emergencies 8 8
Selected Medical Specialties
Family Medicine- 2 CH
7226502 Dermatology- 2 CH 8 8
Radiology- 2 CH
Anesthesiology- 2 CH
7226503 Clinical Neurosciences & Related Subjects 8 8
7227502 Forensic Medicine None** 2
7221501 Emergency Medicine: can be done at end of Y5 OR Y6 4 4
7226501 Elective Medicine: can be done at end of Y4 OR Y5 OR Y6 4 4
7225501 Elective Surgery: can be done at end of Y4 OR Y5 OR Y6 4 4
7000503 Introduction to research project None* 0
Total 48 50-42
Year 6
Course number Course name Weeks CH
7000603 Research Project *** 6
7221601 Internal Medicine –Senior 8 8
7222601 General Surgery –Senior 8 8
7223601 Pediatrics –Senior 6 8
7224601 OB-GYNSenior 6 8
7227403 Health Economics# None* 2
7227501 Community Medicine4 4 5
7221501 Emergency Medicine: can be done at end of Y5 OR Y6 4 4
7226501 Elective Medicine: can be done at end of Y4 OR Y5 OR Y6 4 4
7225501 Elective Surgery: can be done at end of Y4 OR Y5 OR Y6 4 4
Total 44 57-45
*Theory courses provided in the afternoon and do not involve clinical rotations.
**Performed in groups in the afternoon period where students attend at mortuary
***Done via free research day on weekly bases during senior medicine and Surgery courses
Last updated: Director of doctor of medicine program on September 2021 ,01
Last Reviewed and Approved: Medical Program Committee September 2021 ,20 – MPC meeting
Last reviewed and approved: clinical curriculum committee & medical program committee November 2022
21
 Safety and Ethics

Clinical Soft Skill Section Two: Quality

and Patient Safety
Course Description:
This course is divided into three
sections: Description and Objectives:
The second section discusses
7. Prevention and control of
infection patient safety and quality, as
2. Sustaining a high standard well as the international ac­
of quality and patient safety creditation earned by NNUH. It
3. Ethics in medicine also discusses the international
safety goals

Introduction to
Section one: Infection Medical Ethics
Prevention and
Control Section Three:
Introduction to Medical
Description and Objectives:
The first section describes the funda­ Ethics
mental concepts of infection preven­ Description and Objectives:
tion and control, enabling students to The third section describes the
gain a better understanding of the fun­ major medical issues that confront
damental principles of infection con­ medical students during their
trol and to apply standard precautions practice, equipping them with the
in relation to infection control during - 22 - ability to recognize common bio­
their rotation at the hospitals. medical ethical dilemmas.
 ASSESSMENT METHODS.
BmS phase assessment methods
The following are the different types of assessment methods which are used in
basic phase (BmS):
1. Formative Assessment
The coordinator and all courses' instructors must provide students with formative assessment and
feedback during the course.
Below are severa I types of formative assessment can be used by the instructors, such as:

■ Verbal communication with the students through in class activities and participation. Verbal feedback
includes asking questions in class to collect formative data on students' understanding of the course
topics; coaching individual/ group case activities; or any other method of verbal communication for
formative assessment.
■ Written forms of formative assessments might include case-study inter-student discussion with feed­
back from the instructor through e-learning tools or paper forms, project rubrics, regular quizzes,
review questions, or any other method that includes written forms of formative assessment.
2. Summative Assessment
The coordinator and all courses' instructors should inform the students about the variable summative
assessments that are followed in the course and how they affect the total marks.
Different methods and formats of the summative assessment must be used in evaluating the student
achievement orally or in writing, such as multiple choice-questions, problem-based/ case-based
eval­uations, short and/ or long essay questions, matching questions, projects/ presentation,
assignments, homework, role play, and other formats that can be used for summative assessment.

Following ANU regulations, the percentage of the summative assessment of the total course grade is
as follows:
■ Mid-term exam (no more than 30% of the total course grade).
■ Variable assessment methods based on the course outcomes (no less than 20% of the total marks of
the course grade).
■ Final Exam (no more than 50% of the total grade).

Clinical Phase Assessment Methods

The following are the different types of assessment methods used in the clinical
phase (CnMS):
1. Formative Assessment:
The coordinator and all courses' instructors must provide students with formative assessment and
feedback during the course. FMHS follows various types of formative assessment as follows:
l. Case report and presentation: The medical students should fill out and write a complete history and
physical examination during major clinical rotations. The history and physical examination sheets are
regularly reviewed by course coordinators and Research and Teaching Assistants (RTAs) in order to
give direct feedback to the medical students during a special meeting in the clinical rotation.
2. Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX): Mini- CEX is a standard formative assessment that has been
used across different clinical rotations. There is a standard form of Mini-CEX. The responsibility of the
courses' coordinators and RTAs is to supervise the Mini-CEX and give direct feedback to the
medical students.
3. Different educational and interactive sessions: CnMS has many examples of educational sessions
where there is direct verbal communication and feedback offering between medical students and
instructors; for example, the daily morning reports, ward rounds, and supervised case-based
discussion and seminars.
- 23 -
2. Summative Assessment:
The instructor/ coordinator will use a variety of assessment methods during the clinical rotation depending
on the students' type of rotation and its level. The summative assessment structures will also follow the
University regulations regarding summative assessment percentage: FMHS uses different types of
summative assessment covering all PLOs.
l. MCQs: MCQs exam is a common exam across different clinical courses. The four major clinical rotations
(Pediatrics, general surgery, Obs&Gyn and internal medicine) have been assessed according to
theNational Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) standards. The NBME exam assesses medical
student's knowledge and skills based on international and standard criteria. The objectives and
content of the exam meet the objectives and ILOs of each major clinical rotation based on the
Medical Program Committee (MPC) updated report on reviewing and analyzing the data from the
exam since 2076. Regarding minors, internal written exams (MCQs, Self-Assessment Exam (SA), MCQs)
are organized and written by heads of departments and course coordinators to meet the ILOs and PLOs.
2. OSCE: The OSCE exam is regularly conducted at FMHS. The OSCE template is well- designed to
meet the course ILOs. The OSCE creation pathway is formed and approved by the Clinical Curriculum
Committee (CCC). The performance index of each ILO for each student ais calculated in order to assess
the achievement of the course ILOs and objectives regularly.
3. Training Evaluation: This evaluation form is filled out by the clinical instructor whom the students
spent enough time. The evaluation form is composed of knowledge, skills and attitude section. The
form also addresses if the medical students progress during the clinical rotation, a feedback session
by the end of the rotation is held with the clinical instructor to address all domains.
4. Case Reports Evaluation: During some clinical rotations, the case presentation is valuated by marked
and the total mark is added to the student overall grade..

External Evaluation
In accordance with FMHS mission statement, the med­
ical school graduate must meet high standards and
should demonstrate ability to deliver excellent patient
care. To ensure a reliable assessment of the program
quality of education, external examiners can be used in
some courses of the basic phase of medical education
upon request of the division head. The external exam­
ination may include:
A committee composed of faculty instructors ho are not
teaching the course, but have proven ex­perience in the
discipline. The committee is entrusted with writing the
exams for multiple section courses.
In the clinical phase of medical education, external
evaluators participate in students' evaluations during
clinical rotations.
The final written exams at the end of each year in the
clinical phase are external exams that are prepared by
the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). These
are American exams that aim to protect the health
of the public through state-of-the-art assessment of
health professionals. External evaluators, if available, are
also asked to participate in the evaluation of the stu­
dent's graduation research projects
Cirading system:
The grading scale at FMHS is consistent with the grading system
adopted in many higher educational institutions in Palestine and with
the accreditation standards set by the Palestinian Ministry of Higher
Education and Scientific Research.

Basic Biomedical Sciences Grading system:

Table A.3: Grading scale for Basic Biomedical Sciences courses.
Grade in letter Grade in% Grade in number Evaluation
A 100-90 4 Pass
A- 89.99-88 3.75 Pass
B+ 87.99-85 3.5 Pass
B 84.99-80 3.0 Pass
B- 79.99-78 2.75 Pass
C+ 77.99-74 2.5 Pass
C 73.99-70 2.0 Pass
C- 69.99-65 1.75 Pass
D+ 64.99-63 1.5 Pass
D 62.99-60 1.0 Pass
D- 59.99-45.99 0.75 Fail
E 44.99-0 0.0 Fail

The minimum passing mark for each basic biomedical sciences course is 60%. All
students should take exams on a certain set date, but in justified circumstances, a
student can set for the exam on another date. Students have only one chance to
do this after they grant approval by the authorized personnel. Some accepted
excuses are sickness with medical reports, or if the student grants permission and
approval by the faculty or department head for delay. Exam results are published on
Zajel.
A student who does not pass a course (achieved D- or less) is allowed to retake the
course up to twice. Since a minimum of 2.5 GPA is required f or the transfer from
basic the clinical, students are allowed to retake one course or more to raise their
Grade Point Average (GPA) to quali f y them f or the clinical phase.

In the clinical phase, passing grade for each course is 70%. Students must pass all
main subjects for each year level bef ore progressing on to the next academic year
main subjects.

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 Table A4: Grading scale for Clinical Phase courses.
Mark in letter Mark in% Mark in number Evaluation
A 100-90 4 Pass
A- 89.99-88 3.75 Pass
B+ 87.99-85 3.5 Pass
B 84.99-80 3.0 Pass
B- 79.99-78 2.75 Pass
C+ 77.99-74 2.5 Pass
C 73.99-70 2.0 Pass
C- 69.99-65 1.75 Fail
D+ 64.99-63 1.5 Fail
D 62.99-60 1.0 Fail
D- 59.99-45.99 0.75 Fail
E 44.99-0 0.0 Fail

Practical Training for Doctor of Medicine Program

■ The clinical skills lab provides technical skills training courses for medical students prior to or
during interacting with patients. This starts in Year 3.
■ Prior to the opening of (NNUH) in 2073, clinical training for students was offered mainly at
Palestinian Ministry of Health hospitals and clinical facili­ties and at private hospitals and clinics.
■ In 2013, NNUH started functioning and allowed students to do onsite training. In 2019 NNUH
was accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).
■ NNUH has five main departments: Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Anesthesia, and
Radiology with subspecialties in Internal Medicine and Surgery and 64 consultants and
specialists, the majority of whom are full time workers employed by ANU at FMHS
■ NNUH now has 13 residency and fellowship programs with 58 recruits; fifty-five of them are on
training programs and 3 are employed as service physicians. Senior residents take part in
teaching and supervising students during the evening "on-calls" at NNUH.
■ At FMHS, the Department of Medicine employs teaching and research assistants, who are licensed
physicians. Research assistants supervise students’ rotations onsite. Research assistants monitor
student attendance, organize rotation schedules, collect student evaluations from doctors,
moderate the interactive sessions through case discussions and journal club and prepare the
lecture schedule for each rotation. Additionally, in certain circumstances they may practice
teaching.
■ UNRWA facilities and private outpatient clinics also contribute to clinical training and onsite
teaching.

To learn more, please press HERE

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Lists of Training Facilities that Provide Inpatient
and Outpatient Services

Table A.5: Lists of training facilities that provide inpatient and outpatient services

FACILITY LOCATION SPECIALTIES

NNUH* Nablus Internal Medicine, Surgery
Pediatrics, Anesthesia, Radiology,
Orthopedic ENT, Neurology,
Neurosurgery, Emergency
Ophthalmology, Cardiology,
Nephrology, GIT, Cardiac
Surgery, Urology, Adult and
Pediatric Hemato-oncolgy and
Surgery
AI-Watani Government Hospital Nablus Internal Medicine, & Neurology
Rafidia Surgery Government Nablus Surgery, OB-GYN, Pediatrics,
Hospital Emergency, ENT, Orthopedic, &
Plastic Surgery
Martyr Dr. Khalil Suleiman Jenin Surgery, Pediatrics, OB-GYN
Government Hospital Internal Medicine, Emergency
Tubas Turk Government Hospital Tubas Internal Medicine, Pediatrics,
Surgery, & OB-GYN
Martyr Dr. Thabet Thabet Tulkarm OB-GYN, Pediatrics, Surgery, &
Government Hospital Emergency
Al- lsraa' Hospital Tulkarm Internal Medicine, & Surgery
Nablus Specialty Hospital Nablus Surgery, Internal Medicine,
&OB-GYN
Darwish Nazzal Government Qalqilya Internal Medicine, Surgery,
Hospital Pediatrics, OB-GYN, Emergency

Salfeet Surgery, Internal Medicine,

Salfeet Governmental Hospital
Pediatrics, and OB-GYN
UNRWA Qalqilya Hospital Qalqilia OB-GYN, and Surgery
Primary Health Care Centers Family Medicine, Community
Multiple sites
(Governmental) Medicine, Psychiatry, and OB-GYN

Clinical Training at An-Najah National University Hospital.

4th, 5th and 6th year students are given a clinical training handbook while
training at NNUH. The handbook is available on their ZAJEL before entering
the clinical phase, each student undergoes preclinical medical tests.

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 Students are not allowed to exceed more than 10% of excused absence of the actual training days from
the course duration, and 15% in exceptional situations, and that should be after coordinating with the
Department's teaching and research assistants, who will. Teaching and research assistants coordinate
with and take the approval from the course teacher, after obtaining the approval from the
department’s Directordirector as well as the Headhead of the division for that absence. The absence
should be for a convincing and valid reason.
As for sick leaves, students should provide a medical certificate, which the University physician must
approve. Medical certificates will not be taken into consideration if not approved by the University
physician.

Seventh: Students can only communicate with staff members and research and teaching assistants via email. They are
not allowed to communicate with them through social media or phone calls, especially during off-hours.
Type your text
During the fifth year, every 2-3 students form a research group
who are mandatory enrolled in an introduction to research
course (0 credit hours), students have to define their research
question. Students have to pass this course, where students and
their advisors (a minimum of 2 advisors per project) should apply
their research statements and proposals to the Scientific
Research Committee and get approval to apply for Institutional
Review Board (IRB) if possible. This usually takes place between
September and May. As soon as all requirements are fulfilled,
students can start collecting research project data that usually
takes place in the sixth year, or they could start earlier after
finishing fifth year courses. Students who get approval for their
research proposals pass the course, otherwise they fail and they
have to retake the course. Students in the sixth year of their
studies enroll in “Research Project Course (6 credit hours)”,
where they work on their research projects or continue the work
that they started earlier.
Projects are conducted in research laboratories at FMSH or at
clinical sites such as hospitals, governmental and private clinics,
or the community, after obtaining required permissions.
For more, please clich on each policy
*Policies are in alphabetical order
 Welcome day

Commencing in the month of September/October, shortly

after the initiation of the academic year, the inaugural week is
dedicated to acquainting students with crucial aspects such as
their major, college, university, guidelines, regulations, leisure
opportunities, facilities, services, and vacation grants. This special
week is crafted with immense care and enthusiasm, with the
primary goal of making each student feel not just welcomed,
but truly appreciated and loved by the university. We believe in
creating an environment that goes beyond academics, aiming
to make every student feel at home from the very beginning of
their educational journey
The Deanship of Student Affairs coordinates with each faculty
to establish a precise date for the event

33
Sons and Daughters

Sons and Daughters

The Palestinian Student Loan Association regularly offers loans
for the University students to help them proceed with their
education.

Eligibility Requirements:

1.The applicant must be a Palestinian student who has

successfully obtained a high school diploma, is enrolled in one
of the higher education institutions in Palestine, and is
financially needy.
2.The student has successfully passed at least one semester.
3.The student's cumulative average must not be less than 65%
for a Bachelor's student and 60% for a Diploma student or its
equivalent according to the educational institution's system.
4.The student must be registered for at least (12) credit hours in
the semester.

To learn more about student loans, please click HERE

 At An-Najah National University, several medical support recourses are
available at various locations inside the University campuses and at An-Najah
National University Hospital. If you need any medical support, please head to
the following

1. All types of fillings

2. Root canal treatment
3. Orthodontics
4. Dental implants
5. Teeth whitening
6. Gum and dental surgery
7. It also refers patients needing orthodontic care to specialists."

The clinic was opened on World Health Day and the Launching of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight Campaign. The
clinic provides service to the University students and staff as well as community
individuals. It provides a specialized diagnostic and treatment service and a comprehensive eye examination,
including carefully discussing history and symptoms, vision measurement, and
visual requirements assessment. It is available for patients with urgent problems - including
broken spectacles, red or sore eyes, or patients experiencing a sudden loss of vision.
 Medical Support

Audiology, Speech and Language and Voice Clinics

Audiology Clinics: There are 4 audiology clinics belonging to Audiology and Speech

Sciences Division. The clinics are distributed in different locations in An-Najah National
University to provide the services for the university student and staff and the community
around.

Speech and Language Clinics: There are 3 speech and language clinics belonging

to Audiology and Speech Sciences Division to provide the services for the university
student and the community. They are located in the university campus near the
University Library.

Voice Clinic: The Voice clinic is an extension for the Speech and language clinic that

related to the Audiology and Speech Sciences Division. Located in the new campus of
An-Najah National University, near the university library

To learn more about the Audiology, Speech and Language and Voice Clinics, please

press HERE

An-Najah Medical Clinics:

The clinics were established recently to provide medical support for university employees
and students as well as the community. The clinics provide several medical services
such as a family medicine clinic, nutrition clinic, optometry clinic, physiotherapy clinic,
medical laboratory, and radiology division.
The clinics are located at the new university campus.
To learn more about the Medical Clinics, please press HERE

38
 Social Support

Social Supervision Unit focuses on the preventive, therapeutic, and development aspects to assess students'
involvement in university life. The Unit also aims at offering psychological aids related to students’
academic, personal, social and political life events. An-Najah also offers other services that shape students’
skills through several activities and voluntary work.

To learn more about the Social Supervision Unit, please click HERE

The Counselling and Mental Health Center is a psychological site operated by the Department of
Psychology and Psychological Counseling /Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at An-Najah National
University. It has several specialists in psychology and sociology. The Center is a civil society institution that
protects individuals from the risks of developing problems, psychological and behavioral disorders, and
mental illnesses. The Center aims to provide specialized psychological counselling to students and
employees of An-Najah National University and individuals and various local community institutions
through various means of communication.
To learn more about the Counselling and Mental Health Center, please click HERE
Student Support
This Office of Disabled Student focuses its efforts mainly on the right to education, particularly higher
education for people with disabilities (PWDs), since providing them with education will pave the road for a
great change in their lives.
The Deanship of Admission and Registration is the main gateway for the student to
enroll in An-Najah National University. One of its tasks is to follow up on the
student's academic status from the moment s/he joins until graduation and
receiving graduation documents. The Deanship of Admission and Registration aims
to achieve the highest satisfaction levels among students by providing services to
them before, during and after university studies, as they are the main components
of the educational process.
To learn more about The Deanship of Admission and Registration, please press HERE

The Medical School has an academic advising system offered to medical students
with the efforts of Faculty members, course and medical clerkship directors, and
student affairs staff. The system provides counselling and tutorial services to medical
students and ensures that they have academic counselling from individuals who
have no role in making assessment or promotion decisions.
ANU has clear statements and regulations for students’ misconduct, and they are
available to all students on An-Najah National University Student Guide. The guide is
accessible through the Link.

The guide includes clear articles that addresses exams violations, including:
To learn more about The Deanship of Admission and Registration, please click HERE

ANU
 Student Feedback on Assessment

Upon the completion of the course, students in each course provide feedback
on the assessment methods used during the course. Students provide their
input on:

•Whether the instructor used variable assessment methods or not.

•Whether the assessment methods used were suitable for the material taught
in the course or not.
•Whether the instructor provided feedback for students on their assessment
attainment during the course or not.
We, at FMHS, care about our students and their welfare; therefore, we work hard to deliver them the
best possible learning experience.

For that purpose, MED issues satisfaction surveys for both basic and clinical students. The survey
feedback is reviewed to take action accordingly.

A satisfaction survey is a great tool that helps the faculty identify the program’s weaknesses and
strengths, and improve the teaching-learning process, as well as the student experience. Students
are expected to fill out several surveys such as a satisfaction survey for basic students, a satisfaction
survey for clinical students, an exit survey, and a postgraduate survey. These surveys are available on
students’ Zajel. Zajel is a web application system for An-Najah students and academic and
administrative staff.

Satisfaction Survey – Basic: Basic phase students (1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year students) must answer
several questions about their experience as basic phase learners. They also should give feedback
about the university and the faculty’s services and facilities, etc.

Satisfaction Survey – Clinical: Clinical phase students (4th, 5th, and 6th-year students) must answer
several questions about their experience as clinical phase students. They also should give feedback
about the university and the faculty’s services and facilities, etc.

Exit Survey: The student must fill out this survey as a final mandatory step to obtain his/her degree.
Exit Survey includes several sections; each section consists of several questions on the program, the
basic and clinical phases, skills and values students have obtained, etc.

Post Graduate Survey: This survey provides graduates and residents feedback about the MD program.