Family Medicine practitioners in Nigeria play a crucial role in ensuring the wellbeing of individuals and society at large. It is a vital facet of healthcare, particularly in Nigeria, where access to basic healthcare services remains a major difficulty.
Family Medicine Specialization in Nigeria
Family Medicine as a specialization in Nigeria is still relatively young. The West African College of Physicians (WACP) began to train postgraduate students in the Family Medicine specialty in 1996, while the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) commenced training in 2007.
Both institutions aim to provide world-class training for general physicians who are passionate about providing primary care to the masses.
Family Medicine as a specialty in Nigeria has encountered some challenges, which have impacted the scope of practice, including low visibility, lack of a clear understanding of the role of the practitioner, and low salaries. However, the Nigerian government is continually working to take practical steps to address these challenges.
For example, the President, Muhammadu Buhari, revealed his commitment to strengthen rural healthcare. The government also launched the Tertiary Hospital Development Program to improve the delivery of specialized care to citizens.
A Family Medicine specialist is educated and trained to provide complete health care services such as preventative care, curative treatment, and health education.
In Nigeria, Family Medicine specialists practice in various healthcare settings, including general outpatient clinics, hospital outpatient departments, community health centers, and private practices.
Family Medicine practitioners in Nigeria frequently encounter patients that have different health challenges ranging from communicable diseases to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The specialist’s role involves managing and preventing these conditions by conducting regular health check-ups and education patients on healthy lifestyles.
Family Medicine specialists in Nigeria, particularly those who practice in rural areas, face several challenges, including limited resources and inexperienced healthcare workers. Notwithstanding, they are confident professionals who remain dedicated and passionate about improving healthcare outcomes for Nigerian citizens.
The benefits of having properly trained Family Medicine specialists in Nigeria are significant since they play a significant role in addressing the country’s healthcare challenges.
How to specialize in family medicine in Nigeria
In Nigeria, specializing in Family Medicine entails multiple levels, including undergraduate medical study, post-graduate medical training, and accreditation from a recognized medical institution. Here are the steps to specialize in Family Medicine in Nigeria:
1. Undergraduate Medical Education: You first need to obtain a degree in medicine at a recognized Nigerian university. The program requires six years of study, which includes a pre-clinical phase followed by a clinical phase.
2. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC): After completing undergraduate studies, you will have to complete the mandatory one-year NYSC program.
3. Postgraduate Medical Training: After fulfilling the requirements of the NYSC program, you need to apply for Postgraduate Medical Training in Family Medicine at either the West African College of Physicians or the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
These institutions offer a comprehensive training program that lasts for four years. You need to pass the Part I exams before proceeding to the Part II program.
4. Clinical Posting: During the third year of your residency program, you will embark on a clinical posting in Family Medicine.
5. Fellowship Exam and Certification: After successful completion of the residency program, you will need to sit for the fellowship exams. If you pass the exams, you will be awarded a Fellowship certificate in Family Medicine by either the West African College of Physicians or the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
6. License Application: Before beginning practice as a Family Medicine specialist, you must receive a license to practice medicine from MDCN.
Specializing in Family Medicine in Nigeria requires dedication and hard work. Before commencing on your medical adventure, it is important to select a reputed university for postgraduate study and confirm that you satisfy all of the prerequisites before application.
Additionally, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies in Family Medicine to provide excellent professional services to patients in Nigeria.
Top Nigerian universities that offer specialization program in family medicine
There are several universities in Nigeria that offer postgraduate programs in Family Medicine. Here are some of the top Nigerian universities that offer a specialization program in Family Medicine:
1. University of Lagos: The University of Lagos offers a 4-year residency program in Family Medicine, approved by both WACP and APMCN
2. Obafemi Awolowo University: Obafemi Awolowo University, located in Ile-Ife, offers a four-year residency program in Family Medicine. This program is accredited by both the West African College of Physicians and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
3. University of Nigeria, Nsukka: The University of Nigeria, located in Nsukka, offers a four-year residency program in Family Medicine. The program is accredited by both the West African College of Physicians and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
4. Ahmadu Bello University: Ahmadu Bello University, located in Zaria, offers a four-year residency program in Family Medicine. The program is accredited by the West African College of Physicians.
5. Lagos State University Teaching Hospital: Lagos State University Teaching Hospital offers a four-year residency program in Family Medicine, which is accredited by both the West African College of Physicians and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
6. University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital: The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital offers a four-year residency program in Family Medicine. The program is accredited by the West African College of Physicians.
The universities mentioned above are some of the top Nigerian universities that offer postgraduate programs in Family Medicine.
Career prospects for family medicine specialist in Nigeria
Family Medicine is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery in Nigeria, and Family Medicine specialists have several job prospects. Here are some of the career prospects for Family Medicine specialists in Nigeria:
1. Hospital Practice: Family Medicine specialists can work in hospitals, providing medical care to patients who require acute care. They may work in hospital wards, including general medicine and emergency medicine, and may also provide outpatient care, which includes primary care services.
2. Private Practice: Family Medicine specialists can also choose to operate private practices. They can also offer specialized outpatient services based on their areas of expertise.
3. Primary Healthcare Center: Family Medicine specialists can work in primary healthcare centers, providing medical care to the local population. They can work as general practitioners or medical officers, providing basic health care services, including health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education.
4. Public Health: Family Medicine specialists can work in public health administration, designing and implementing programs that promote public health and prevent diseases.
5. Medical Research: Family Medicine specialists can also choose to work in medical research institutions, conducting research into areas such as preventive medicine, pharmacotherapy, and health policy.
6. Academic: Family Medicine specialists can also work in academic institutions, teaching medical students and residents, conducting research, and contributing to academic conferences and publications.
Family Medicine specialists in Nigeria have several career prospects that cut across various sectors of healthcare delivery.
Regardless of their job prospect, Family Medicine specialists have a crucial role in providing comprehensive and personalized care to patients, families, and communities, promoting patient education, disease prevention, and early detection and management of diseases.
Why chose family medicine as a career path in Nigeria
Choosing a career path in Family Medicine in Nigeria could be a wise decision for several reasons. Here are a few reasons why you should select Family Medicine as a profession in Nigeria:
1. Demand: Family Medicine is in high demand in Nigeria, and there is still a shortage of skilled Family Medicine practitioners. This means that there is a high potential for employment opportunities in both the public and private healthcare sectors.
2. Variety: This provides a diverse range of medical experiences and treating both acute and chronic medical conditions.
3. Holistic Care: Family Medicine is a specialty that offers holistic care, emphasizing not just the physical diagnosis, treatment, and management of illnesses, but also the psycho-social components of health.
Professional services that allow practitioners to interact more intimately with their patients and provide personalized care.
4. Flexibility: Family Medicine offers practitioners flexibility in their work settings. They can choose to work in hospitals, academic institutions, primary care centers, or private practices.
5. Community Engagement: Family Medicine practitioners in Nigeria often engage closely with their local communities, helping to establish a connection and creating a bond with local people
6. Broad Skill Sets: Family Medicine specialists develop many skills including communication, clinical and critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills, which are valuable in both medical and non-medical practices, Making the job market even wider.
It is also an excellent career opportunity for those interested in pursuing research and contributing to the health care system in Nigeria.
Summary
Family Medicine remains a critical aspect of healthcare services in Nigeria. The importance of primary healthcare cannot be overemphasized, considering the existing healthcare challenges in Nigeria.
Although the Family Medicine specialization in Nigeria is relatively young, it plays a significant role in providing access to healthcare services to Nigerian citizens, regardless of their social status and background.
