Former MMC member questions removal of FRCS Edinburgh from specialist register
Former elected MMC member Dr Milton Lum Siew Wah expressed dismay at the decision, highlighting that the FRCS Ed qualification was still listed in the National Specialist Register (NSR).
SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Medical Council's (MMC) recent decision to delist the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCS Ed) in Cardiothoracic Surgery has sparked controversy in the medical community.
Former elected MMC member Dr Milton Lum Siew Wah expressed dismay at the decision, highlighting that the FRCS Ed qualification was still listed in the National Specialist Register (NSR).
"The FRCS of England, Edinburgh and Glasgow were all previously recognised by the MMC.
"A clear explanation is needed for this sudden shift, especially considering the qualification's prestigious reputation and continued presence on the NSR list," Dr Milton told Sinar Daily when contacted.
The FRCS Edinburgh is valued for its rigorous standards and international recognition.
Its sudden delisting has significant implications for medical professionals and institutions that rely on these standards.
Adding to the confusion, Dr Milton raised concerns about a proposal to transfer credit towards this qualification at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
"Credit transfer in medicine is only permitted in pre-clinical undergraduate years, not in clinical years or postgraduate medical courses like specialty training.
"Comparing equivalency of such on-the-job training is incredibly difficult," he added.
The MMC's decision has also fueled discussions about access and equity in medical education.
Some speculate that it might influence UiTM's policies regarding non-Bumiputera student admissions.
However, Dr Milton clarified that such decisions fall solely under the university's authority.
"The university has the autonomy to determine its student intake policies, including whether or not to open access for non-Bumiputera students," he said.
Previously, the UiTM student council protested after the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) urged the university to prioritise public health by temporarily opening its cardiothoracic surgery programme to non-Bumiputeras due to a shortage of specialists in the field.
