Introduction

The modern medicine is committed to train the future doctors in the BIOPSYCHO-SOCIAL MODEL of health care. This model expects the doctor to be an effective communicator and an ethical practitioner of the art and science of medicine who trains himself, in the study of the psychosocial aspects alongside the biological determinants of health and disease. By applying this model, a doctor can extend health care beyond the patient to include the family and community and emphasizes as much on the prevention of illness and promotion of health as on the treatment of disease. To achieve an adequate training in this model, it is pertinent to teach Behavioural Sciences alongside the subjects of Physiology, Anatomy and Biochemistry as basic to the clinical subjects in later years. University of Health Sciences has taken a lead by including the subject of Behavioural Sciences for organized teaching and training at the undergraduate level in all its affiliated medical/dental colleges, under the supervision of Late Prof. Mubashir Malik. The University held the first ever examination in Behavioural Sciences in 2007 as part of the University's Second Professional Examinations of MBBS (Third Year) & BDS (Second Year).

Relevance to Health Care

The relevance of Behavioural Sciences to medicine is demonstrated in aetiology; in the presentation of illnesses; in the delivery of health care; and in aspects of psychological and social treatment. Both psychological and social factors are relevant in causing illness. As examples of such causation, emotional disturbances and problems with personal relationships can cause both overeating and, on occasions, a refusal to eat (anorexia nervosa). Whatever the psychological causes that may or may not be important, cigarette smoking is undoubtedly human behaviour, and it is a form of behaviour that is associated with morbidity and mortality. Links between occupation, social class or race and certain illnesses may be seen as social factors aetiology. The patient's response to his illness and its treatment is a highly individual matter where both psychological and social factors are relevant. Behavioural and social aspects are very important in the way health care is given to a community. Psychology and sociology are both relevant in making health education effective.

Academic Programs

Two years M.Phil. program was introduced in 2011. There is a need to train teachers in the subject of behavioural sciences. The primary objective of the course is to provide teachers, trainers, research scholars and specialists in the field of behavioural sciences. The role of this course is to enhance the trainee�s capability to assimilate necessary concepts in this subject. This program is designed to provide the trainee with an academic research background and practical experience extending in depth their knowledge at postgraduate level.