The Journey from Quality to Accreditation: What is after?

Abstract

In 1977, the Medical Education Unit (MEU) has been founded in the Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University with its main goal to reform medical education. Since its foundation, several short (2-3 days) courses were held in teaching and assessment. In 2001, the philosophy of MEU has been shifted from short courses to long training courses (2 weeks) in the field of teaching, assessment and research. The aim and objectives were to prepare the university teacher for his new career after awarding the doctorate degree, and before assignment as a staff member. In 2005, the Educational Quality Assurance (EQAU) had been founded. Since then, several attempts were carried out to write a self study and to develop s strategic plan. In 2016, a new self study and strategic plan (July 2016-June 2021) were formulated. The vision and mission reflected the role of our Faculty in achieving distinction in medical education, scientific research, and community service, within a moderate Islamic culture. The Faculty has been accredited in April 2017 by the National Authority of Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE) in Egypt. Moreover, in July 2017, a team from the Association of African Universities and some other experts from Africa and Europe also visited our Faculty. The major standards measured were program planning and management, curriculum development, teaching and learning and assessment and program results. Rating score was 15.43/5=3.09 which meant Good Quality. The team recommended further quality improvement based on systemic and systematic approaches to strengthen the unique role in higher education and research nationally and internationally. In September 2017, Al-Azhar Faculty of Medicine adopted the idea of integrated medical education. Moreover, in October, 2017, a scientific committee was formulated from the Al-Azhar Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy in order to make unified research plan for the medical sector. In conclusion, since the foundation of Al-Azhar Faculty of Medicine, it strives towards quality. More work is needed not only to keep the Faculty accredited, but also to improve and enhance quality, in addition to international accreditation and recognition.