Department of Physiology

Prof Amina Nadeem

Head of Department

Message from the HOD

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Department of Physiology, Army Medical College. AM College has a strong tradition of producing some of the best medical professionals in the country. Basic Medical Sciences play a key role in winning this laurel to the institute.

The department of Physiology AM College has a well laid infrastructure, state of the art laboratory equipment and highly qualified faculty. Our esteemed faculty comprises of dedicated instructors who blend classical teaching methods with modern educational tools, including simulations, interactive sessions, and research-based learning. Our department is highly committed to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and integration of physiology into clinical practice enabling our students to grow into competent and compassionate medical professionals. The department also offers a vibrant research environment where undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students are encouraged to explore innovative areas of physiology relevant to national and global health challenges. Our laboratories are well- equipped to support advanced teaching and research activities.

Being a graduate of this prestigious institute, it is a matter of pride for me to uphold the traditions of excellence of Army Medical College while continuously adapting to the evolving needs of medical education where students can learn and grow into an important member of this eminent fraternity. I warmly welcome students, faculty, and collaborators to join us in this journey of learning and discovery.

Prof Amina Nadeem

Head, Department of Physiology

Introduction

The Department of Physiology, Army Medical College is a cornerstone of the institution’s academic and research framework, dedicated to imparting foundational knowledge of human body functions to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Our mission is to inculcate medical competence, research, innovation, scientific inquiry and clinical application, while preparing competent and ethically driven healthcare professionals to serve humanity with integrity, knowledge, and compassionate medical practice.

Since the establishment of Army Medical College, Department of Physiology has focused on teaching the basics of physiological sciences to MBBS students, BDS students (1998 onward), and to the students of BS Nursing as per Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) & Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan guidelines. The department also offers postgraduate training programs (FCPS, MPhil and PhD in Physiology) under the guidance of highly qualified and experienced faculty members. The Department of Physiology, Army Medical College consists of a dynamic faculty of 17 highly qualified members including 2 PhD holders, 4 FCPS and 4 MPhil-qualified faculty members. Our teaching programs continue to evolve in alignment with the latest global medical education trends, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet modern healthcare challenges.

The Department of Physiology is equipped with a spacious lecture hall that can accommodate up to 230 students, a well-ventilated seminar room designed for interactive learning and modern undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories furnished with the latest equipment. Committed to academic excellence, innovation, and professional growth, the Department of Physiology continues to inspire learners, foster critical thinking, and prepare graduates and postgraduates to apply physiological principles in understanding health, disease, medical practice and research.

Outline of the Course

The Department of Physiology at Army Medical College provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that regulate normal body functions, forming the scientific basis of clinical practice. The course emphasizes integration of cellular, molecular, and systemic physiology to prepare students for clinical problem-solving and lifelong learning.

During the first year and second year of MBBS programs and first year BDS program, spanning 40 weeks each, the course content is comprehensively taught in three teaching blocks of 12-weeks each followed by an end of block (EOB) exam. Teaching is reinforced through an integrated curricular system including interactive lectures, tutorials, laboratory experiments, problem-based learning, and clinical correlations to bridge the gap between basic sciences and patient care. The program ensures students develop strong analytical, practical, and problem-solving skills, essential for careers in medicine and allied health sciences. Assessment is performed through a written exam, Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE), and viva voce. All assessments procedures are carried out in the line of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) and National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) guidelines. The academic year concludes with the annual examination conducted by NUMS.

The department actively implement the educational and research guidelines received from College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) for its postgraduate training programs of FCPS, MPhil and PhD in Physiology. These programs are supported by ongoing research in areas such as neurophysiology, endocrine physiology, cardiovascular regulation and exercise physiology, providing a robust platform for future medical scientists and educators.