This Q&A addresses common questions from applicants to the MMed(FM) College Programme, including eligibility, training requirements, subsidies, assessments, interviews, preceptors, attendance, audit projects, and progression pathways.
Eligibility: Clinical Work During Training
Q: Would someone doing regular locum at a polyclinic or GP clinic be eligible for the MMed(FM) programme?
A: Each applicant will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Being a locum does not necessarily exclude an applicant. However, the clinical work should represent a sufficiently regular and consistent practice arrangement to support the MMed(FM) training requirements throughout the duration of the training programme.
Applicants need:
- At least 24 hours of clinical work per week.
- At least 8 hours per week in an approved ambulatory Family Medicine setting.
- A regular and consistent practice arrangement with sufficient continuity.
- A letter of support from the polyclinic or GP clinic may be required.
The regularity, number of clinical hours, and suitability of the practice arrangement will be assessed further during the clinic inspection and interview.
Q: Does regular weekly locum work at a polyclinic count towards the weekly clinical work requirement?
A: Each applicant will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Generally, regular fixed locum work at a polyclinic would qualify as clinical work for the weekly clinical work requirement. Applicants are advised to provide a letter of support from the polyclinic stating that the applicant will be supported with regular fixed locum work throughout the duration of the training programme.
Q: Does telemedicine work count towards the Family Medicine clinical work requirement?
A: No. Telemedicine work does not count towards the required Family Medicine clinical work hours.
Eligibility: Training
Q: How long is GDFM valid for when applying to MMed(FM)?
A: For the 2027–2028 intake, the date on the applicant’s GDFM certificate must be no earlier than 1 January 2022, i.e. no more than five years before 1 January 2027.
Q: If I passed GDFM in July 2026, when is the latest I can apply?
A: You would need to apply by 2030 (2031-2032 intake).
MOH Subsidy
Q: How do I apply for the MOH subsidy?
A: You can opt in for the MOH subsidy at the same time as your MMed(FM) programme application. There will be an option on the application form to indicate that you wish to apply for the subsidy.
Q: How much is the MOH subsidy?
A: The subsidy is 50% of the course fee capped at $12,500 inclusive of GST per trainee.
Q: What are the terms and conditions for receiving the MOH subsidy?
A: Eligibility criteria for MOH subsidy:
- The trainee has fulfilled all of the entry requirements of the MMed(FM) College Programme
- The trainee is a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident
- The trainee has a good disciplinary record with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC)
Q: If I take up the MOH subsidy, do I need to pass the MMed(FM) examination on my first attempt?
A: You do not need to pass the MMed(FM) examination on your first attempt. However, you are required to make a second attempt if you are unsuccessful on the first attempt. There is no requirement to pass on the second attempt or proceed to a third attempt. The core requirement is for all candidates who have taken up the MOH subsidy to attempt the examination at least twice if they are not successful on the first attempt.
Q: Will everyone receive the MOH subsidy?
A: The subsidy is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to an annual quota. Based on previous years, the programme has generally been able to secure the MOH subsidy for applicants.
Q: How many subsidised places are available for the AY2027-28 intake?
A: Subsidies will be provided for up to 27 trainees for the AY2027-28 intake.
Q: Is there a possibility of institution sponsorship?
A: Yes, there will be some trainees on institution sponsorship. Trainees who are sponsored by their institutions/employers are not eligible for the MOH subsidies.
Family Medicine Applied Knowledge Test (FM AKT)
Q: If I have already passed the AKT, do I still need to pay for and complete ITE?
A: No. ITE is one of the formative assessments in residency and is not required for the college programme.
Q: Is AKT validity based on when I join MMed(FM) or when I sit for the MMed(FM) examination?
A: For questions on specific AKT validity, applicants are advised to check with the Division of Graduate Medical Studies, National University of Singapore (DGMS, NUS). Note: CFPS is currently seeking clarification with DGMS (NUS) on AKT validity, and further updates will be provided once available.
Q: What happens if my AKT is valid for my first MMed(FM) examination attempt but expires before my second attempt?
A: For questions on specific AKT validity, applicants are advised to check with the Division of Graduate Medical Studies, National University of Singapore (DGMS, NUS). Note: CFPS is currently seeking clarification with DGMS (NUS) on AKT validity, and further updates will be provided once available.
Master of Medicine (Family Medicine) Examination
Q: How many attempts are allowed for the MMed(FM) examination?
A: You must sit for the MMed(FM) examination within 3 years of completing the MMed(FM) College Programme. You are allowed a maximum of 3 attempts during that 3-year period.
Q: Do I need to pass the MMed(FM) examination on my first attempt to retain the MOH subsidy?
A: No. You need to attempt the MMed(FM) examination twice, but you do not need to pass.
Selection Interviews
Q: Will the pre-admission interview be conducted over Zoom?
A: Yes. The pre-admission interview will be conducted via Zoom.
Q: If I have a pre-planned overseas trip during the October interview period, can I attend the Zoom interview while overseas or rearrange it?
A: Yes. You may attend the Zoom interview while overseas. Please note the time difference, as interview timings will be in Singapore Time.
Preceptors
Q: Can I request a specific preceptor if they work at the same place as me and are willing to take me?
A: This request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Trainees are generally advised to approach their designated supervisors as their preceptors. A specific preceptor may be requested for logistical reasons, provided the preceptor meets the programme’s requirements. The preceptor must be an MMed(FM) holder.
Attendance & Teaching
Q: What percentage of attendance is required?
A: 75% attendance is required.
Q: How often do I need to attend on Wednesday nights?
A: Most Wednesday nights, except during June and December.
Q: Are June and December break periods?
A: There are generally no formal teachings arranged in June or December. If there are any formal teaching in these periods, it will be forecasted well in advance.
Q: Are the tutorials face-to-face or conducted over Zoom?
A: Selected tutorials will be conducted via Zoom, mainly for slide-based teaching and lectures. Zoom-based tutorials are designed to be highly interactive, and trainees are expected to participate actively as part of experiential learning. Clinical tutorials, such as physical examination and consultation tutorials, will be conducted face-to-face.
Audit Project
Q: If the audit project is done in pairs, how would it work for someone working as a locum?
A: The audit faculty will facilitate the pairing of trainees for the purpose of the audit projects. Trainees of all practice settings (inclusive of locums) would be supported in the audit projects in fulfilment of the course requirements.
Practical Benefits of MMed(FM)
Q: What are some practical and tangible benefits of obtaining MMed(FM), apart from increased knowledge and career advancement?
A: The MMed(FM) is widely recognised as the benchmark of a senior family physician. It enables career progression in both the public and private sectors. It also allows for progression to further specialisation such as the Family Medicine Specialist, Palliative Medicine Specialist and Aviation Medicine Specialist.
Accelerated Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (A-GDFM)
Q: For someone taking the Accelerated GDFM and who has already cleared the examination, are they admitted directly to MMed(FM), or do they need to go through the selection process again?
A: Trainees who have completed the A-GDFM will be given priority in the MMed(FM) application and direct admission to the MMed(FM) programme.
