Medical Colleges In India Research Articles

Implementation of Case-Based Learning in 1st-Year MBBS Students -Future of Medical Professionals Learning Methods in Indian Medical Colleges?

ABSTRACT Background: Case Based Learning (CBL) is the best method for correlation of knowledge with clinical scenarios. The present study is planned to implement case-based learning in 1st-Year MBBS students and find out the perception of the students as a guideline to incorporate this activity in the curriculum. Material and Methods: The study was conducted among 1st-Year MBBS students. The students who consented to participate were divided into 23 groups each containing 5-6 participants. The case along with the reference material was allotted to the groups of students sequentially. Faculty was allotted to each group of students for their help and discussion on the given case. The completed activity was uploaded on Moodle for all the students to go through. After 25 weeks, students’ perception of the activity were obtained with the help of validated questionnaire through Google Forms. Data was analyzed in SPSS software. Results: 85% of students felt that CBL helped them understand clinical applications, enhanced problem-solving skills and retention of knowledge. More than 85% of students were comfortable with CBL in terms of relevance to the curriculum, mode of conduction, and development of interest. Over 90% of students mentioned that provided resources and faculty were helpful. Conclusion: The study concludes that successful implementation of case-based learning is possible for 1st-Year MBBS medical students. Students perceived CBL as a motivating and effective teaching-learning method.

Feedback to national medical commission regarding aadhar-enabled biometric attendance system at medical colleges in India.

Teachers are the backbone of any country, the pillars upon which all aspirations and dreams converge, if we paraphrase 11th President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam,. A teacher of a Medical college has immense potential to shape the foundation and basic wisdom/ technical skills of a young student and resident. So, teachers' absence makes the learners bereft of these gifts- making them vulnerable to construct poor reasoning and judging clinical scenarios inappropriately: deriving incorrect or false interpretation from a given case presentation. For this reason, when the National Medical Commission (NMC) comes up and pushes for an idea ensuring physical presence of workforce at their respective workplaces, everyone should welcome the move. Nevertheless, like every fixture the virtual solution has its unique challenges, requiring nuances for proper assessment, demands reasoned and detailed dissection of actual ground -level situation; hence, I want the regulatory body to tweak the attendance -system to make it suitable for diverse atmosphere, varying working -conditions and rapidly -changing environment. Such formulation should have two- way communication channels between man (and woman) power as well as their regulators. Only then fine -tuning may be expected to be achieved to derive the maximum benefit while reducing chances of error/ omission/ glitch/ incompleteness and fault.

“Visualization matters” – stereoscopic visualization of 3D graphic neuroanatomic models through AnaVu enhances basic recall and radiologic anatomy learning when compared with monoscopy

BackgroundThe authors had previously developed AnaVu, a low-resource 3D visualization tool for stereoscopic/monoscopic projection of 3D models generated from pre-segmented MRI neuroimaging data. However, its utility in neuroanatomical education compared to conventional methods (specifically whether the stereoscopic or monoscopic mode is more effective) is still unclear.MethodsA three-limb randomized controlled trial was designed. A sample (n = 152) from the 2022 cohort of MBBS students at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram (GMCT), was randomly selected from those who gave informed consent. After a one-hour introductory lecture on brainstem anatomy and a dissection session, students were randomized to three groups (S – Stereo; M – Mono and C – Control). S was given a 20-min demonstration on the brainstem lesson module in AnaVu in stereoscopic mode. M was given the same demonstration, but in monoscopic mode. The C group was taught using white-board drawn diagrams. Pre-intervention and post-intervention tests for four domains (basic recall, analytical, radiological anatomy and diagram-based questions) were conducted before and after the intervention. Cognitive loads were measured using a pre-validated tool. The groups were then swapped -S→ M, M →S and C→S, and they were asked to compare the modes.ResultsFor basic recall questions, there was a statistically significant increase in the pre/post-intervention score difference of the S group when compared to the M group [p = 0.03; post hoc analysis, Bonferroni corrections applied] and the C group [p = 0.001; ANOVA test; post hoc analysis, Bonferroni corrections applied]. For radiological anatomy questions, the difference was significantly higher for S compared to C [p < 0.001; ANOVA test; post hoc analysis, Bonferroni corrections applied]. Cognitive load scores showed increased mean germane load for S (33.28 ± 5.35) and M (32.80 ± 7.91) compared with C (28.18 ± 8.17). Subjective feedbacks showed general advantage for S and M compared to C. Out of the S and M swap cohorts, 79/102 preferred S, 13/102 preferred M, and 6/102 preferred both.ConclusionsAnaVu tool seems to be effective for learning neuroanatomy. The specific advantage seen when taught with stereoscopy in basic recall and radiological anatomy learning shows the importance of how visualization mode influences neuroanatomy learning. Since both S and M are preferred in subjective feedbacks, these results have implications in choosing methods (stereoscopic – needs 3D projectors; monoscopic – needs web based or hand-held devices) to scale AnaVu for anatomy teaching in medical colleges in India. Since stereoscopic projection is technically novel and cost considerations are slightly higher compared to monoscopic projection, the specific advantages and disadvantages of each are relevant in the Indian medical education scenario.

Inside the Brain: Cerebrospinal Fluid Insights in Meningitis.

Background Our study focused on meningitis, an infection that can spread through the bloodstream as a primary or secondary infection from other body parts, such as sinuses, ears, and lungs. It can affect patients who have experienced trauma or surgery, as well as those with congenital defects like spina bifida. Specifically, we examined bacterial, viral, and tuberculous meningitis (TBM) cases. The primary method for confirming the diagnosis of these types of meningitis is to analyze the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Early diagnosis can utilize cytological and biochemical parameters. Our objective is to determine CSF's cytological and biochemical profile in patients with these specific types of meningitis. Methods A study was carried out at the central pathology lab from October 24, 2017, to April 24, 2018.CSF samples from suspected meningitis patients were examined for various parameters, including hematological, biochemical, microbiological, and cytomorphological aspects and specific tests for bacterial, fungal, and TBM. The study focused on patients aged 16 and above, excluding those under 16, non-compliant patients, and individuals with specific health conditions. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (Released 2011; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), and the results were presented through the use of mean, standard deviation, and percentages. Statistical tests were utilized to compare categorical variables and mean, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results We included a total of 156 cases, with the mean age of presentation being 56.628 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.0526:1. Of the patients, 81 (52.1%) had been diagnosed with TBM, had elevated adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels of 48.8733±37.43740 IU/L, and CSF lymphocytosis (99%). Additionally, cases of bacterial meningitis showed markedly raised mean total leukocyte count (TLC) of 2085.50±445.47727 cells/mm3 and mean CSF protein levels of 349.45±113.73105 mg/dL. The study found a significant increase in protein levels and a decrease in glucose levels in the CSF of TBM and bacterial meningitis patients compared to those with other causes of meningitis (p<0.001). Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)and multiple sclerosis (MS) patients had TLC and ADA within normal limits.CSF ADA level greater than 6 IU/L showed a sensitivity of 97.53% and a specificity of 96.0%, making it the most specific test. A protein level in the CSF greater than 45 mg/dL demonstrated a sensitivity of 98.78% and a specificity of 24.32%, indicating it is sensitive but less specific in diagnosing TBM. Lymphocytic predominance, defined as TLCof more than 5 cells/mm3 with at least 50% of the cells being lymphocytes in the CSF of TBM patients, showed a sensitivity of 97.53% and a specificity of 6.67%. CSF glucose had a sensitivity of 38.27%, making it the least reliable indicator for diagnosing meningitis. Conclusion The CSF analysis is the primary diagnostic method for detecting meningitis. Its cost-effectiveness is a key factor, especially for patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in government medical colleges in India, where access to expensive diagnostic tests is limited. The efficiency of CSF analysis for early diagnosing different types of meningitis aids in management, helping to prevent complications and fatal outcomes.

Navigating Patient Flow: Assessing the Bottlenecks in Out-Patient Services in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Abstract Introduction: Patient flow in hospital outpatient departments (OPDs) is affected by bottlenecks arising from patient load and service capacity mismatch. We evaluated OPD service bottlenecks at a medical college in India by measuring patient flow and service delivery rates and examined possible associations between the service rate and sociodemographic variables. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-two eligible patients in the queue were selected by systematic random sampling from general medicine, respiratory medicine, general surgery, and orthopedic OPDs. Structured interview schedules and checklists were used to gather required information. Waiting times and service delivery rates were compared statistically. Results: Most patients were newly registered (63.89%) and visited the institute directly (87.30%). Surgery had the highest number of doctors. In all OPDs, patient flow exceeded the doctor service rate; the orthopedic OPD had the longest waiting time to see a doctor (85.71% of total time). Patients attending the surgery OPD had the least waiting time and maximum consultation time (25.62% and 65.88% of the total time, respectively). Waiting and consultation times varied significantly between the OPDs. In respiratory medicine, patients took a significantly longer time to consult (P = 0.032). Conclusions: The study recommends facilitating properly scheduled consultation times, rearrangement of infrastructure, and a larger healthcare workforce in OPDs.

Calculation of Attendance of Faculty Working in Indian Medical Colleges: Looking for the Denominator

Calculation of Attendance of Faculty Working in Indian Medical Colleges: Looking for the Denominator

The Trend of Utilization of Opioid Substitution Therapy Services in the Prepandemic Era in a Tertiary Medical College in India

The Trend of Utilization of Opioid Substitution Therapy Services in the Prepandemic Era in a Tertiary Medical College in India

Knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 among Indian medical undergraduates: a questionnaire-based study.

The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2) has emerged as a recent pandemic, increasing the need for epidemiological studies and studies on public health. Only some studies have evaluated the awareness of medical undergraduates in India and other countries, leading to a lack of literature. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India, between June to August 2020. An online survey using Google Forms was circulated among undergraduate medical students in India by a convenient sampling method for data collection. Descriptive analysis was derived based on frequencies and percentages, and the association with age, gender, and year of undergraduate training medical course was derived using the chi-square test. Altogether, 630 students from India responded to the survey, with a maximum response from students studying in the second year (38.7%). Nearly 63.85% of responders identified themselves as females. Knowledge regarding the human-to-human transmission of the virus, symptoms, complications, definition of "close contact, quarantine, and its indications was adequate among the students, with more than 70% correct responses. However, one-fourth of the students needed to gain more knowledge about masks. Respiratory hygiene was poor among 24.8%. Nearly 40% of students were unaware of the management of patients with COVID-19. There is a need for regular quality training and institutional programs on infection control of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases across all Indian medical colleges to educate undergraduate medical students, who are future healthcare professionals, thus minimizing the risk of transmission and providing standardized care for patients.

Dermatoglyphic pattern is an Indicator for Assessing the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of Medical Undergraduates in A North Indian Medical College

Introduction: The intelligence quotient (IQ) levels and dermal ridge patterns on the volar surfaces of digits and palms of different individuals may be related because brain developed from 13th to 21st week and during same time-period the dermal groove developed. Neocortex is a higher center for learning and of intelligence, so there is association between Intelligence level and patterns of fingerprints. So, this study was conducted to find out the different dermatoglyphic patterns of fingers and palms and correlate them to the IQ levels of medical undergraduates. Materials and Methods: Fingers and palms prints of both the hands of 150 medical students of 18-24 years were collected with help of ink pad and A4 size of paper. The fingers and palms prints were studied using hand held magnifying lens and their IQ levels assessed using Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices. Results: The most common finger patterns e.g. single whorl in thumb, ulnar loop in index finger and middle finger of both sides and were found on participants having Grade I Intelligence. More males shown higher IQ and belonged to Class A IQ i.e. grade I and Grade II however in lower IQ the males and females were equally distributed and belonged to Class B i.e. Grade III, IV, V. Most common finger patterns i.e. single whorl in thumb and ulnar loop in index on both right and left side were found in the participants having Grade I &amp; II Intelligence. Conclusion: Students with Grade I and II IQ has higher incidence of whorl followed by loop whereas in participants with IQ level of Grade III onwards, loop was the most common pattern followed by whorl. Asymmetry in patterns on both the side of fingerprint was evident in lower IQ levels. Higher values of mean ‘a-b’ ridge count and mean ‘atd’ angle was higher in individuals with low IQ level. So, it can be concluded that the dermatoglyphic pattern and IQ levels are associated.

Competency Based Medical Education (CBME) in India: Clinicians' Multifaceted Challenges.

In the recent past, in order to achieve our national goal of 'health for all', National Medical Commission and Government of India made competency based medical education (CBME) mandatory in all Indian medical colleges. By undergoing CBME, the Indian Medical Graduate is expected to achieve the five roles of Clinician, Communicator, Leader and Member of the health care, Professional and Lifelong learner. This article is an overview of CBME, its relevant terminologies and knowledge-gaps. The purpose is to share these changes in medical education with practicing Otolaryngologists of India. It also discusses the various challenges regarding this already- suggested implementation process for clinical academicians, which could be counterproductive to the expected national aim and goal.

Receiving a donation call to dissection tables: various aspects of whole-body donation in northern union territory region medical college of India.

Body donation is the act of giving one's body to science for study, practice, and research. This selfless act contributed to the education and training of professionals in the field of medicine. Body donation programs allow medical students to learn about the different aspects of human anatomy, perfect their dissection skills, and develop a better understanding of the relationship between structure and function in the human body. The purpose of article is to improve body donation programs which meet ethical standards and best practices. This article emphasizes the significance of body donation to teaching medical institutions by discussing various aspects of body donation to medical colleges in India and the procedural steps followed, sample proformas and the obstacles faced during the whole process. The process of body donation varies among different countries pertaining to their legal frameworks and the challenges faced. A description of the problems faced in the process of body donation has been discussed with suggestions for potential solutions in this section. The sample formats of the forms filled by donors and the certificates issued by concerned organizations are also provided to clearly understand the process of body donation. The information compiled will pave the way for medical teaching institutions that have yet to start a body donation program.

IJCM_138A: Small group teaching- Perceptions of Students and Faculty of a Medical College in Mangalore, India

Background: The demands on Medical Education have greatly increased in the 21st century. For this very reason, there has been an unprecedented growth in the number of medical colleges in India. The teacher’s role is to facilitate rather than to direct, to coordinate as much as to communicate. Small group teaching offers students’ opportunity to discuss and refine their understanding of complex issues, to problem solve and apply their knowledge to new situations and to reflect on their attitudes and feelings. The study aims to assess the perception of undergraduate medical students regarding small group teaching, the perception of faculty regarding Small group teaching, compare the perception of students on small group teaching, with respect to their academic performance and attendance. Methodology: 93 faculty and 499 undergraduate MBBS students participated in the study and were given a self- administered semi-structured questionnaire. The perception of undergraduate students and teaching faculty on small group teaching was assessed using the 5-point Likert Scale. Independent t-test was applied to find difference in mean perception. Students were categorized based on their academic performance and on their attendance aggregate for the concluded semester. Results: In total, 404 students and 45 faculty members responded thus giving response rates of 80.9% and 48.4% respectively. The overall response rate was 75.8% Conclusion: The study found that both students and faculty members are favorable to the concept of SGT. They found it not only enhances the academic performance of students but also contributes to the personality development of students. Clinical correlations in all the subjects is well appreciated by students and faculty. Suggestions for improvement of SGT such as exam-oriented study, use of innovative and interactive aids can make SGT sessions more effective.

Perception of undergraduate medical students on learning physiology: A descriptive cross-sectional study in a medical school of South India.

Understanding the various principles in physiology is very important for medical students to apply their knowledge in clinical practice. Most of the students learn physiology just to clear exams. There is a need to understand the student's perception on the significance of learning physiology in medical colleges, its role in clinical practice, research, and the subject of career choice. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in a medical college in Karnataka, India. A total of 100 medical students studying in year 2 MBBS were enrolled into the study. Responses were collected, validated, and analyzed to understand the perception. All the participants (100%) felt physiology is an important subject in the medical curriculum and 93% of participants felt physiology knowledge was essential to become a better doctor. It was observed that 48% of the participants were interested in pursuing research in physiology and only 24% of the participants agreed on considering physiology as a carrier option. Medical students perceived physiology as an important and interesting subject in the medical curriculum. However, only few of the students were inclined to do research in physiology and agreed on pursuing physiology as a carrier option. The scope of study in physiology is vast due to the large variety of interdisciplinary topics included in different systems. Subsequent decrease in job opportunity, lack of awareness of research opportunities, and lower pay scale in the medical colleges in India lead to less interest in students for considering physiology as a carrier option.

IJCM_69A: Attitudes and perceptions among undergraduate students towards psychiatry and psychiatric illness in a medical college in Mangalore, India

Background: Mental illness poses a significant global health burden, with negative attitudes towards mental illness contributing to treatment gaps and disparities in care. Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of medical students towards psychiatry and psychiatric illness is crucial for addressing these challenges. This study aimed to assess attitudes and perceptions among undergraduate medical students in an Indian medical college, particularly focusing on the impact of clinical exposure to psychiatry. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 MBBS undergraduate students using a composite questionnaire comprising sections on demographics, attitudes towards mental illness and psychiatry, perceived need for mental health support, perceptions of treatment effectiveness, and interest in pursuing psychiatry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Results: Overall, students exhibited a negative attitude towards mental illness based on the Opinion of Mental Illness (OMI) scale, particularly in factors such as Authoritarianism, Benevolence, and Interpersonal Aetiology. However, exposure to clinical psychiatry postings led to a significant improvement in attitudes. Despite positive attitudes towards psychiatry as a specialty, attitudes towards its inclusion in the curriculum were less positive after clinical exposure. There was significant support for peer counselling among students. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of clinical exposure in shaping attitudes towards psychiatry among medical students. Efforts should be made to address negative perceptions and enhance the integration of psychiatry in undergraduate medical education. The potential for peer counselling also signifies a need for supportive mental health services within medical colleges. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering a more positive attitude towards mental illness and psychiatry among future physicians.

Perception and Acceptance of the Newly Introduced COVID-19 Precaution (THIRD) Vaccination Dose among Health Workers at an Indian Medical College.

India has run a nationwide vaccination campaign against COVID-19, which has recently introduced a precaution (third) dose for health workers. This study assessed the perception and attitude of health workers toward the Indian vaccination campaign against COVID-19, with an emphasis on this major change. A printed questionnaire was distributed among health-care workers at the Medical College of West Bengal. The completed forms were analyzed. Most of the participants were doctors (83.7%). Although all had received two doses of vaccine before, 44.4% were unwilling to be vaccinated with the third dose in the present scenario. The majority (63.8%) of the patients were concerned about side effects. The emergence of new COVID strains (65.6%) was viewed as a threat to the effectiveness of the vaccines. Participants with higher age, comorbidities, and those with the perception that the third dose was being introduced appropriately and would be effective against newer strains of the vaccine tended to be more willing to get vaccinated with the precaution dose compared to their counterparts. A dilemma regarding the acceptance of precaution doses was noted among health workers. This warrants the availability of more comprehensive information to increase acceptance of these vaccines.

Relationship of emotional intelligence and capability of answering higher-order knowledge questions in physiology among first-year medical students.

Emotional intelligence (EI) has a positive correlation with the academic performance of medical students. However, why there is a positive correlation needs further exploration. We hypothesized that the capability of answering higher-order knowledge questions (HOQs) is higher in students with higher EI. Hence, we assessed the correlation between EI and the capability of medical students to answer HOQs in physiology. First-year undergraduate medical students (n = 124) from an Indian medical college were recruited as a convenient sample. EI was assessed by the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT), a 33-item self-administered validated questionnaire. A specially designed objective examination with 15 lower-order and 15 higher-order multiple-choice questions was conducted. The correlation between the examination score and the EI score was tested by Pearson's correlation coefficient. Data from 92 students (33 females and 59 males) with a mean age of 20.14 ± 1.87 yr were analyzed. Overall, students got a percentage of 53.37 ± 14.07 in the examination, with 24.46 ± 9.1 in HOQs and 28.91 ± 6.58 in lower-order knowledge questions (LOQs). They had a mean score of 109.58 ± 46.2 in SSEIT. The correlation coefficient of SSEIT score with total marks was r = 0.29 (P = 0.0037), with HOQs was r = 0.41 (P < 0.0001), and with LOQs was r = 0.14 (P = 0.19). Hence, there is a positive correlation between EI and the capability of medical students to answer HOQs in physiology. This study may be the foundation for further exploration of the capability of answering HOQs in other subjects.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study assessed the correlation between emotional intelligence (EI) and the capability of medical students to answer higher-order knowledge questions (HOQs) in the specific context of physiology. The finding reveals one of the multifaceted dimensions of the relationship between EI and academic performance. This novel perspective opens the door to further investigations to explore the relationship in other subjects and other dimensions to understand why students with higher EI have higher academic performance.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Organ Donation Among Medical Students in India: A Mixed Methods Study.

Deceased organ donation rates are extremely low in India. As future physicians, medical students can advocate organ donation in society. However, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding organ donation remain understudied in India. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to deceased organ donation among undergraduate medical students in India using a mixed methods approach. This is a mixed-method study with a cross-sectional survey conducted among 400 randomly selected medical students at a medical college in India using a pretested questionnaire. Additionally, 20 in-depth interviews were conducted to gain qualitative insights. Knowledge was high regarding organ donation (90%) but lower for brain death (27.5%). Most had positive attitudes, but only 11% were registered donors, and 10% had discussed organ donation with family. Multivariate regression revealed that having third- and fourth-year-old students, urban upbringing, good knowledge, and positive attitudes were associated with increased willingness to donate. Qualitative findings revealed gaps in brain death understanding, religious myths, lack of conviction, and family disapproval as barriers. Despite good awareness, gaps in the comprehension of brain death persist among students. However, the registration and family discussion rates are very low. Targeted strategies such as integrating ethical issues into medical curricula, public awareness campaigns busting myths, simplifying donor registration, and promoting family conversations are strongly recommended. This can empower students to become physician advocates driving organ donation uptake in India.

Role of Virtual Bronchoscopy in Evaluation of Suspected Foreign Body in Children's Tracheobronchial Tree.

Introduction The presence of foreign bodies in the airways remain a diagnostic challenge to healthcare professionals. They can become life threatening emergencies that require immediate intervention or go unnoticed for weeks and even months. Prevention is best but early recognition remains a critical factor in treatment of foreign body inhalation in children. Objective To study the diagnostic advantages of virtual over rigid bronchoscopy in the evaluation of children with suspected foreign body in the tracheobronchial tree and plan for early management. Methods A crossectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital & medical college in India. A total 24 patients (0-12-years-old) who presented with complaints of sudden onset of coughing, choking, and breathing difficulty were included during the 2-year duration, from January 2018 to December 2019. All patients underwent virtual and rigid bronchoscopy. Results In 8 patients, foreign bodies detected by virtual bronchoscopy were confirmed by rigid bronchoscopy. There was one case in which virtual bronchoscopy showed no foreign body, but rigid bronchoscopy detected it. In 15 cases virtual and rigid bronchoscopy did not show foreign bodies. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of virtual bronchoscopy were 88.88, 100, 100, and 93.75%, respectively. Conclusions Virtual bronchoscopy is less invasive and does not require general anesthesia but cost and availability are limitations. It can be used as method of investigation in children with suspected foreign body aspiration.

Current Medical Education -A Bird’s Eye View

India has a rich tradition of imparting education in Medicine since the ancient times; which has evolved over the years. As the years progressed several reforms in medical education have been made until recently the Competency Based Medical Curriculum (CBME) has been introduced in the medical colleges in India. Although CBME has been the framework of medical education in Western countries such as Canada, US, UK it has been adopted from 2019-20 onwards in India. This curriculum of Medical Education has goals to create “Indian Medical Graduate” (IMG) with a set of roles expected to be fulfilled in the form of achieved “competencies” with inclusion of qualities such as clinician, life-long learner, communicator, leader and medical professional. There are certain challenges outlined for the implementation of CBME. However, there are also guidelines in the form of various Teaching -Learning Methods (TLM) and appropriate Evaluation or Assessment Methods to be adopted. The types of TLM outlined are Integrated Method, Self -Directed Learning (SDL), Case Based Learning, Small Group Discussion, Flip Classroom Model, Mentor -Mentee System etc. in this paper. Assessment or Evaluation methods strongly support the backbone of the curriculum. Either Formative or Subjective Methods of Assessment can be adopted to monitor the TLM. The types of Assessment which can be applied are also reviewed. Although the scope and impact of CBME are immense but it faces the test of time in future. The current medical education is time-based, outcome -based, involves structured learning, time-flexible and learner -centric approach is utilized.

Does irritable bowel syndrome plague our budding doctors? - A study from an Indian medical college.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a lifestyle disease associated with significant morbidity and healthcare expenses. Although the pathophysiology of this disease remains obscure till date, there are many possible predisposing factors that have been described. Medical education is extremely demanding and taxing, with students facing multiple stressors throughout their course. Stress and mental illnesses being one of the main risk factors for IBS, these students are possibly at a much higher risk of suffering from this disease. The objective of this article is to study the frequency of IBS among a sample of students in a medical college in India and try to determine the determinants associated with this disease. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among students studying in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. A self-administered World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) questionnaire was filled by the participants. The responses were analyzed for identifying those likely to be suffering from IBS based on a scoring system and to assess the association between risk categories and IBS. Prevalence of IBS among 397 participants was found to be 16.9%. About 20.8% of females suffered from IBS as against 11.4% of males. It was also found that the proportion of medical undergraduates likely to be suffering from IBS was more in those belonging to the NRI category (28.6%), those who consumed a diet which was predominantly vegetarian (19.1%) and less in those staying at home (14.5%). The proportion of students suffering from IBS was observed to be 16.9% of the sample population with a significant female gender preponderance.