Top marks for professor
A general medical professor from Central Middlesex Hospital has been acknowledged as the world's best medical examiner helping young doctors take their careers to the next level.
Professor Abdul-Majeed Salmasi has guided several generations of medics through the MRCP post-graduate medical diploma: the written and practical exams they need to pass before applying for specialist training.
“I can still remember taking my own exams,” laughs the professor who takes his young proteges' nerves into account when assessing their practical skills.
Several hundred candidates sit the exams at Central Middlesex Hospital (CMH) every year with the professor estimating he has tested several thousand in his ten-year tenure as an examiner.
The candidates' practical exam comprises of five stations staffed by examiners who present various scenarios to them including examining real patients.
Professor Salmasi added: “It's pretty intense being questioned by a group of senior physicians but we are looking for people who not only know their stuff but are confident, and good communicators.
"I try not to be too scary given how nervous I was facing a similar ordeal when I was younger.”
Mr Salmasi was recently presented with a painting in recognition of being the top examiner by fellow professor Mo Thaw Oo in the presence of 20 fellow examiners.
It reflected not just the number of students he has taught, but his service to the Federation of Royal College of Physician which oversee the exams.
“The UK is unique in developing the MRCP because of the practical aspect of the exam and now has centres of all over the world including Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Pakistan.
“CMH hosts the single largest number of MRCP exams on the planet and my goal is to try and help every one of those doctors pass.”