The Academic Council and Boards of Studies at UHS have given the green light to a significant overhaul of the current practical exams system in medical colleges.
The Academic Council and Boards of Studies at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) have given the green light to a significant overhaul of the current practical exams system in medical colleges. The transformative change involves a shift from the traditional viva voce exam to the Objective Structured Viva Examination (OSVE), reflecting a commitment to modern and effective assessment methodologies.
During a joint meeting under the leadership of VC Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore, the Academic Council and Boards decided to replace traditional Oral/Practical/Clinical examinations with a combination of cutting-edge formats: Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE), Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and the innovative Objective Structured Viva Examination (OSVE).
OSVE has gained recognition globally as a reliable method to assess students, emphasizing their conceptual understanding and professional expression. This exam format introduces a circuit of ‘stations,’ with specific learning objectives evaluated at each station. The move aims to enhance the assessment process by focusing on comprehensive skills and practical knowledge.
While OSPE and OSCE have already found application in the medical education landscape, the introduction of OSVE in Pakistan marks a pioneering step. The format has proven effective in assessment processes in various countries, offering a structured and comprehensive approach to evaluating medical students.
Starting this year, the first professional MBBS candidates at UHS will undergo assessment through 12 observed stations in the practical exam for each subject, aligning with the new modular curriculum of the university.
This curriculum includes seven stations for OSPE, three for OSCE, and two for OSVE. External examiners will supervise each station, ensuring impartial evaluation, while the students’ regular teachers will not serve as internal examiners, ensuring a fair and objective assessment process.
The adoption of OSVE in Pakistan reflects UHS’s commitment to staying at the forefront of modern educational practices and providing students with a robust evaluation system that aligns with global standards.
The move is expected to contribute to the development of well-rounded medical professionals equipped with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills essential for the healthcare sector. As medical education evolves, UHS’s progressive approach sets a precedent for other institutions to consider innovative assessment methodologies for the benefit of both students and the healthcare industry.