The Dr. John Berry White Medical School, established in 1900, holds a pivotal place in the history of medical education in Northeast India. Founded by British surgeon Dr. John Berry White, the institution laid the foundation for what is now the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh, Assam. This transformation from a medical school to a full-fledged medical college in 1947 marked a significant milestone in the region's healthcare education.
History
Dr. John Berry White, a British surgeon serving under the East India Company, arrived in Assam in 1858. Over his 24-year tenure, he rose to the position of civil surgeon of Lakhimpur district. Upon his retirement in 1882, Dr. White donated his entire life savings of Rs 50,000 (approximately Rs 10 million today) to establish a medical school in Dibrugarh. He passed away in 1896, and four years later, in 1900, the Berry White Medical School was inaugurated, marking the beginning of formal medical education in Northeast India. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Academic Programs
The institution began by conferring the Licentiate of Medical Practice (LMP) diploma, a precursor to modern medical degrees. In 1947, following India's independence, the school was upgraded to the Assam Medical College, offering a comprehensive medical curriculum. Today, AMCH provides undergraduate (MBBS) and postgraduate (MD/MS) programs, along with various diploma courses, adhering to the standards set by the National Medical Commission (NMC). (amchedu.in)
Achievements
AMCH has been a pioneer in medical education in the region. It was the first medical college in Assam and the entire Northeast India. The college has been ranked 62 among government medical institutes and has been rated "AAA+" by the National Medical Commission with a score of 273.5. (en.wikipedia.org)
Infrastructure
The college is situated on a 450-acre urban campus in Dibrugarh, Assam. The original Berry White Medical School building, a 125-year-old colonial structure, has been restored and is now a heritage site. This building, which once housed the medical school, has been preserved as a historical monument, reflecting the rich legacy of medical education in the region. (en.wikipedia.org)
Faculty
AMCH boasts a dedicated and experienced faculty comprising professors, associate professors, and assistant professors across various medical disciplines. The faculty members are committed to providing quality education and training to medical students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their professional careers.
Admission Process
Admission to the MBBS program at AMCH is conducted through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), as per the guidelines of the National Medical Commission. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the NMC and secure a valid score in NEET to be considered for admission. The college also offers postgraduate courses, with admissions based on the All India Post Graduate Medical Entrance Examination (AIPGMEE) and other relevant examinations.
Facilities
- Library: The college houses a well-stocked library with a vast collection of medical books, journals, and digital resources, supporting the academic needs of students and faculty.
- Laboratories: State-of-the-art laboratories for various medical disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology, facilitate practical learning and research.
- Hostels: Separate hostels for male and female students provide comfortable accommodation with necessary amenities.
- Sports Facilities: The campus includes sports facilities for cricket, football, and other games, promoting physical fitness and extracurricular activities among students.
- Hospital: The attached Assam Medical College Hospital serves as a teaching hospital, offering clinical exposure and hands-on training to medical students.
Website
For more detailed information, you can visit the official website of Assam Medical College and Hospital: (en.wikipedia.org)
For inquiries, you can contact the college administration at the email address provided on their official website.
Fees
The fee structure for MBBS and postgraduate courses is subject to change and is determined by the Assam government and the college administration. Prospective students are advised to refer to the official website or contact the college directly for the most current information.
Established
The institution was established in 1900 as the Berry White Medical School and was upgraded to Assam Medical College in 1947.
Medium
The medium of instruction is English, in line with standard medical education practices.
Type
Assam Medical College and Hospital is a government medical college and hospital.
In conclusion, the Dr. John Berry White Medical School, now known as Assam Medical College and Hospital, has a rich history and continues to play a vital role in medical education and healthcare in Northeast India.