Medical Student’s Perception of Diagnostic Surgical Pathology Course: Necessities, Difficulties and Solutions

Abstract

Background: Students’ perceptions and feedback have a significant impact on academic progress. The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of medical students regarding the surgical pathology course taken by medical students at Northern Border University.
 Material and methods: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was given to medical students taking this course. The questionnaire comprised several items on students’ attitudes toward surgical pathology. And a five-point Likert scale was used. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) v 20 software. Results: One hundred and fifty three questionnaires received from the students were analysed. 
 Discussion and Conclusions: The answers to the questionnaire showed that ‘one size fits all’ approach cannot be employed for educating the students. A combination of different strategies and methods helped improve student satisfaction, particularly in regard with case presentation studies and practical’s. New strategies were adopted not just for improving academic performance but keeping in mind future clinical practice, enhancing students’ understanding and knowledge retention abilities.
 Key words: medical student’s, perception , diagnostic surgical pathology course: necessities, difficulties and solutions.