PhD scholars in medicine: another view

E-Paper | June 13, 2026

THIS is apropos of the letter ‘PhD scholars in medicine’ by Prof (Dr) Perwaiz Iqbal (Aug 18). I strongly oppose the idea of appointment of PhD. scholars (without MBBS) as deans/heads of basic medical sciences on the following grounds:

There is absolutely no dearth of PhD scholars with MBBS degree. It is wrong to say that medical graduates get attracted to PhD only for monetary incentives. I myself achieved sanction of 250 kanal public park land during my environment research work by my personal efforts and without getting a single penny from any source.

The time period of study/training of a simple MBBS doctor these days is seven years after higher secondary level compared to a simple PhD scholar which is not more than six years.

A PhD scholar is not well versed with the academic atmosphere of a medical college. However, PhD scholars in basic medical sciences may be considered for appointment in dental/veterinary colleges and schools of sociology, anthropology, genetics and genetics.

DR Q. ABBAS Rawalpindi

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Newspaper

KE monopoly has to come to an end

Private invigilators

Tragic disparity

Tapish

Aug 27, 2012 08:44am

I disagree!

Recommend 0

Shahid

Aug 27, 2012 07:47pm

Dr. Abbass!! you have not convinced anyone by your bold statement. I have nothing to do with medical profession. Please make logical statements when convincing someone. You mentioned one reason as timing to get a PhD degree or MBBS. Once a PhD degree is obtained, a PhD scholar has to publish in top journals to be recognized as scholar. The publishing process in top journals is itself very long and tough; it takes 3-4 years of full time work just to publish one paper in top journal. Do you want to promote science or promote practice? Pakistan is going down in every department of performance because our our lack of image in science.

Recommend 0

Abdul Karim

Aug 27, 2012 09:22pm

Dr Abbas don't know that 95% of what he studied for his MBBS came direct from the research done for the PhD degrees, PhD degree holders and non MBBS researchers. In Pakistan it takes a minumum of three years to complete a PhD, two years for an MPhil, two years for Masters and two years for BSc, so it takes a minimum of 9 years for a PhD and not six years as DR Abbas stated. If Mr Abbas would like to get a PhD degree he may be admitted to QAU for an MPhil initially to do a PhD later spending at least 5 years after his MBBS.

Recommend 0

iftekhar Mahmood

Aug 27, 2012 10:54pm

This is a bogus and arrogant comment based on a typical ignorance of a medical doctor. Just because a medical degree takes seven years and a Ph.D. program takes 6 years it does not make a medical doctor more qualified, intelligent, and capable than a Ph.D. The writer also seems to be quite ignorant about Ph.D. programs. A Ph.D. candidate may take more than seven years depending on the course and the associated research works. Most of the medical doctors (>90%) memorize text books and get a medical degree. A Ph.D. degree is an intellectual piece of work and requires a lot of background knowledge and intellectual thinking.

Recommend 0

Imran Ahsan Mirza

Aug 27, 2012 01:49am

Dr Abbas has not given any sound reasons at all in his letter. A subject matter expert on a particular branch of medicine does not need to be a practicing doctor. It is irrational to consider a person on the basis of his MBBS degree just to suit the environment of a medical college rather his/her profound knowledge of the subject.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why SQD-Mini LED is the display breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?

The display industry is entering a new phase, where reducing trade-offs is as important as pushing performance limits.

The Palms at Silk Gardens introduces a new family address in Karachi

The Palms places families at the heart of its vision, offering thoughtfully planned 2 and 3-bedroom units in a secure, peaceful and community-led environment.