Distance Learning Program (DLP)

The Certificate Course on Diabetology (CCD) is run by the Distance Learning Program (DLP), an enterprise of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS). The program provides comprehensive training to physicians in the management and prevention of diabetes mellitus, combining modern academic standards with practical clinical skills.

Background

The number of people with diabetes mellitus is rising rapidly across the globe, posing a great threat for a future health tsunami. Diabetes care is suboptimal throughout the world. The Diabetic Association of Bangladesh has been fighting against this disease since 1956, initiated by the Late National Professor M. Ibrahim.

This Certificate Course on Diabetology was organised through DLP to provide appropriate education and training to physicians. The course was designed in collaboration with two experts from the Open University of UK — Prof. Janet Grant, Director of Medical Education, and Prof. Michael G. Stewart, Professor of Neuroscience. The curriculum was developed with contributions from endocrinologists and diabetologists of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh.

CCD under DLP was inaugurated in June 2003. A workshop of Training of Tutors (TOT) was arranged, and the first batch of doctors completed the course in 2004.

Current Status

CCD was initially started for doctors of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh and, due to overwhelming popularity, was opened to all. Nearly 20,000 doctors have successfully completed the course. We are going to start the 42nd Batch soon.

Initially conducted face-to-face in Dhaka and 7 outside districts up to 2020, the program adopted an online interactive mode during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the course has been conducted both online and offline/face-to-face, depending on students' preference.

There are two sessions each year — January–June and July–December. Tutorials are conducted by a highly skilled faculty comprising 60+ tutors from endocrinology, diabetology, medicine, and allied disciplines. One workshop is conducted face-to-face in each session. The course is supported by a printed textbook and online learning materials.

Assessment

There are 3 Phase Completion Assessments (PCAs) within each session. At the end, the End Course Examination (ECE) is conducted centrally. It consists of:

• Theoretical component: MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)
• Practical components: OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) & OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Exam)

Ibrahim DLP Gold Medal

Gold medals are awarded to the best performer of each session. The medal is named the 'Ibrahim DLP Gold Medal', in honour of Late National Professor M. Ibrahim — the pioneer in the field of diabetes care in Bangladesh.