Biomedical Science in Malaysia

Biomedical Science in Malaysia Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohi A Ghazali Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Balkis Budin Biomedical Science Programme, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

MALAYSIA

Introduction Biomedical science programme is still new in Malaysia compared to other part of the world Was first established in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 1992 (first batch of graduates in 1996) In UKM, biomedical science programme is adapted from the UK syllabus It is closely linked to medical laboratory technology

Aim: Medical Diagnostic Services To produce science officer with sufficient knowledge and skills in medical diagnostic laboratories Research To produce graduates equipped with knowledge and skills to enable them to conduct medical research

Biomedical Science Programme Type of Institution Level of Study Number of Institution Public universities Private universities and colleges Bachelor, Master and Doctorate degrees Mainly bachelor degrees and diploma 6 8 Total 14 Diploma courses are provided as Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (DMLT) - Information up to 2011.

Institutions for Biomedical Science Programme No Institution 1 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2 Universiti Putra Malaysia 3 University of Malaya 4 Universiti Sains Malaysia 5 International Islamic University Malaysia 6 Universiti Technologi MARA 7 International Medical University 8 Masterskill College of Nursing and Health 9 Management and Science University 10 MAHSA University College 11 Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman 12 Universiti Industri Selangor 13 Institute of Medical Science Technology (UniKL MESTECH) 14 INTI International University Malaysia

Standard Curriculum Design Biomedical Science curriculum in Malaysia integrates three major areas as follows: Area of Study Key Courses / Subject Basic Biomedical Science Core Biomedical Science Practical Training and Research in Biomedical Science Human Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biostatistics Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Pathology, Immunology, Haematology, Tranfusion Science, Basic and Medical Microbiology, Medical Parasitology, Histopathology, Cytology, Research Methodology, Laboratory Management Industrial Training, Diagnostic Laboratory Attachment, Research Project

Regulation and Governance MQA Malaysian Quality Assurance IBMS Institute of Biomedical Science Permission to run the programme, Standardization & Accreditation of course structure

Main Career Paths in Malaysia Academician Postgraduate student Research Institute /University Research officer Academic Research Diagnostic Services Private Sectors Hospitals Medical diagnostic labs Science officers Medical instrument/laboratory product Specialist Medical underwriters Pharmaceutical company

Careers for Biomedical Science Graduates in Malaysia Others 21.0% Postgraduate student 16.7% Teacher 1.4% Medical underwriters 2.2% Research / Science officer 17.4% Lecturer / Tutor 28.3% Research assistant 4.3% Medical lab officer 4.3% Sales representatives 4.3%

Country Strength and Support

Job Position In 2009, the position for Biomedical Scientist was created by the Public Services Department One of the important posts in the Medical Diagnostic Laboratory under the Ministry of Health. Biomedical Scientist will be allocated as Science officer especially in following Units: Histopathology Cytopathology, Haematology & Transfusion Science

International Recognition Ministry of Higher Education encourages learning institution to apply for international recognition to improve the quality of programme and graduates. Few universities including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia have been accredited by IBMS since 1997.

Research Fundings Biomedical graduates in Malaysia have become leaders in medical research Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) funds research in Biomedical Science niche through many grant schemes to enhance the quality of young researchers

Challenges for Biomedical Science Graduates

Challenge #1 Recognition as a Professional Degree In Malaysia, Biomedical Science program was commenced as a non-professional degree program. Graduates are identified as NON-PROFESSIONAL degree-holders affecting their career path.

Challenge #2 Need for a Professional Body / Council This council will play role in monitoring curricula at each institution and set terms of reference for graduates. It could also hand LICENSING for practice in diagnostic laboratory to eliminate incompetency and ensure quality.

Challenge #3 Overproduction of graduates With rise in numbers of private institutions offering similar programmes, biomedical graduates are overproduced but inadequate to meet stakeholder s requirement. Enforcement and STANDARDIZATION of entry qualification by a council shall assist in monitoring level of graduates to meet the stakeholder s need.

Future Direction

Expectations Formation of a professional Biomedical Science council in Malaysia Enforcement of a licence to practice in a diagnostic laboratory To activate the Biomedical Science society to involve in the earlier statement

Collaborative Opportunities Research attachment Student exchange program Internship in overseas diagnostic laboratories Conferences

Conclusion Although Biomedical Science Programme in Malaysia is still at infancy, it has positively developed with the full support from Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) Ministry of Health (MOH) Good collaboration from private sectors However, there are still few areas which need consideration especially recognition as a professional degree formation of the Biomedical Science council.

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