Medical School Research Articles

Схоластика та медичні факультети університетів середньовічної Європи

The work shows that the system of the scholastic principle of teaching was developed and introduced into the system of teaching at medieval universities by the state church in order to approve its dogmas and teachings. It has been proven that the system of scholasticism, based on the deductive method, proclaimed the need to prove the concepts and ideas already approved by the church, without thereby implying any scientific research in principle. It is shown that scholasticism introduced mystical and occult ideas into university teaching, which displaced the already very modest medieval scientific developments. The system of scholastic teaching led to a ban on anatomic-physiological research and clinical observations, the absence of practical and experimental classes, the destruction of the concept of clinical thinking and scientific-practical discussions, and the formation of a template approach to the treatment of patients in medieval medical faculties.

Impact of Simultaneous Presence of Multiple PML-RARA Isoforms on Phenotype in Patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia.

To determine the coexistence of multiple PML-RARA transcripts in adult APL (acute promyelotic leukaemia) patients, and its impact on the patients' laboratory parameters, treatment responses, and prognoses. Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Faculty of Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkiye, from January 2015 to March 2023. The study group consisted of individuals diagnosed with APL. RNA isolation was performed by taking blood or bone marrow samples and the presence of breakpoints in PML-RARA bcr1, bcr2, and bcr3 was detected using the real-time PCR. However, the quantification of PML-RARA fusion transcripts cannot be provided using the utilised kit. Twelve women and eight men were examined with a mean age of 38 years (range: 19-80), and 46.5 years (range: 22-60) were examined, respectively. When evaluating patients based on isoforms, it was found that 40% had multiple isoforms. Nineteen (95%) patients achieved haematologic remission after the treatment. Only one patient who had three different isoforms did not achieve remission. The estimated median survival for patients with a single isoform and those with multiple isoforms was 78.1 months (95% CI: 37.8-117.6) and 71.7 months (46.2-97.2), respectively. Two of the patients with multiple isoforms were lost in the early stage, whereas no early-stage mortality was recorded among patients with a single isoform. Identifying PML-RARA isoform subtypes is important for predicting prognosis and informing clinical follow-up. Acute promyelocytic leukaemia, Breakpoint cluster region, Isoform, PML-RARA.

Exploring accessibility, user experience and engagement of digital media among older patients with depression: a pilot and observational screening study protocol of the DiGA4Aged study

IntroductionThe prevalence of mental health problems is increasing worldwide, particularly in the vulnerable group of older people. The limited availability of therapists, long wait periods and increasing shortage of healthcare...

Current Status and Challenges of Korean Medical School Admissions Policies

Medical school admission policies vary from country to country. In Korea, medical school admission policies reflect the policy choices made by the Ministry of Education. After the Korean War, universities implemented their own entrance exams, and since then, various admissions processes have been implemented with consideration of the fairness of the exam and the increase in private education expenses. The introduction of the medical graduate school system has led many universities to implement tests separate from the academic ability test. Currently, 40 medical schools have been approved by the government and are responsible for providing medical education, but there is a growing movement to open new medical schools in various regions. The excessive interest in medical school admissions in Korea is creating an unfavorable social atmosphere, where academies are even being operated for elementary school students to help them achieve an eventual goal of entering medical school. Furthermore, an irresponsible and sudden increase in the number of students admitted to medical school is causing a disruption in medical education. Medical schools need unconditional government support to strengthen their role in the community and the nation, and policy consideration is needed to ensure that universities are as autonomous as possible.

Hispanic Faculty Trends in U.S. Medical Schools: A 50-Year Perspective

The U.S. Hispanic population has grown substantially over the past 50 years, and simultaneously, the number of U.S. medical schools and medical school faculty has increased. This study examines the trends for Hispanic faculty in clinical and basic science departments at U.S. medical schools. Method This retrospective, cross-sectional observational study analyzed data from the Association of American Medical Colleges Faculty Roster for faculty at all LCME-accredited medical schools from 1973 to 2022. Proportions of faculty were compared according to department, sex, rank, and Hispanic status using a 2-independent-sample t-test and simple linear regressions. Results The percentage of Hispanic medical school faculty increased from 1.7% in 1973 to 5.4% in 2022, with similar rates of increase in basic science and clinical departments. In 2022, departments with the highest representation of Hispanic faculty included family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. The departments with the lowest representation of Hispanic faculty were orthopedic surgery and otolaryngology. In 2022, only 1.5% and 3.1% of all full professors were Hispanic females and males, respectively. Conclusion There was a minimal increase in the percentage of Hispanic faculty in medical schools over the last 50 years, and the rank was disproportionally higher at the Assistant Professor level, particularly for females. The combination of a rapid increase in the U.S. Hispanic population and a slow increase in Hispanic faculty has resulted in Hispanic medical school faculty being more underrepresented in academic medicine in 2022 than in 1973.

Students Perception on Soft Skills in Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia

Background: Soft skills is important attributes of professionalism in the practice of medicine. Soft skills to be known as person's ability beyond knowledge, intelligence, or competence. Faculty of Medicine in Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia, has used various learning methods to support students' skills, allowing students to have different perspectives in understanding soft skills. Aims: To identify the perception of medical students at Faculty of Medicine, Swadaya Gunung Jati University, in the pre-clinical stage towards soft skills. Methods: This was an observational descriptive study. Respondents were selected using Stratified Random Sampling techniques, sample size was 262 respondents were obtained from semester 2, 4, 6 and 8. This study used primary data with 42 statement items with univariate analysis. Results: From 262 respondents, of 93.1% students (244) have a good perception of the definition of soft skills. As many as 50.4% (123) of 262 respondents have a good perception of time management. As many as 81.3% (213) of 262 respondents have a good perception of critical thinking. 73.7% (193) of 262 respondents have a good perception of teamwork. As many as 87.4% (229) of 262 respondents have a good perception of public speaking. Conclusion: This study showed medical student perception of soft skills regarding definition, time management skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking had a good perception. In the future, Faculty needs to provide space for students to develop these soft skills through training or interprofessional education and other programs. Received: 10 September 2024 | Reviewed: 16 October 2024 | Revised: 23 October 2024 | Accepted: 31 October 2024.

Social Accountability at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine: A Focus on Admission Policy

Given the increasing health disparities across regions and populations, social accountability is not an option but an obligation for health professions schools, including medical schools. In this short communication, the authors report the case of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU SOM), which has been an exemplary medical school for social accountability, receiving the 2013 AMEE ASPIRE Award in social accountability and the 2018 Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Award for Institutional Excellence in Social Mission in Health Professions Education. This paper focuses on the school’s admission policies in the discussion of its social accountability. It starts with the background of central and southern Illinois, where the school is located to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in the areas. It discusses the school’s holistic admission policies and two pipeline programs—namely, MEDPREP and McNeese Physician Preparatory Pipeline Program (P4)—that are strategically designed as a long-term physician workforce development plan to address health disparities in rural areas. As of January 30, 2024, 3,233 students have earned the MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree at SIU SOM. In total, 770 alumni (33%) are practicing in primary care. Among 901 graduates practicing in Illinois, 484 (54%) are practicing in SIU SOM service area counties (i.e., central and southern Illinois). Social accountability is the core value and organizational identity of SIU SOM and the guiding principle of the school’s innovation and excellence.

The Relationship Between Soft Skills And Daily Performance Values Of Problem Based Learning Of Students Of The Faculty Of Medicine, Swadaya University Gunung Jati

Soft skills are an important attribute in medical practice. PBL is one of the learning methods used by the UGJ Faculty of Medicine, where the assessment process and rubric have adapted soft skills. It is important to know whether there is a relationship between soft skills and the daily PBL performance scores of FK UGJ students. Knowing the relationship between soft skills and the daily PBL performance value of FK UGJ students. This study uses descriptive studies, including analytical observational research, primary data in the form of questionnaires, and secondary data in the form of an archive of PBL performance values. 95.4% (228) of the 239 respondents had sufficient problem-solving soft skills, 97.9% (234) of the 239 respondents had sufficient initiative soft skills, 94.6% (226) of the 239 respondents had sufficient soft skills of integrity, 92.1% (220) of the 239 respondents had sufficient communication soft skills, 88.3% (211) of the 239 respondents had sufficient teamwork soft skills. PBL performance values show quite wide variations. Most students score between 35.0 - 40.0. The results of the research show that there is a significant relationship between the five aspects of soft skills and the daily PBL performance scores of FK UGJ students. There is a significant relationship between the five aspects of soft skills and the daily PBL performance scores of FK UGJ students

Predictive Factors for Diabetes Mellitus: Insights from Complete Blood Count Analysis

The 10th edition of the International Diabetes Federation reports that 537 million people worldwide had diabetes in 2021. In Southeast Asia, countries like Malaysia are facing a growing burden of diabetes. This highlights the urgent need for innovative and resourceful approaches to diabetes management. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise in these countries, tailored strategies are necessary. To identify and evaluate the potential prognostic indicators for diabetes mellitus, this study involved a dataset consisting of 500 entries, comprising demographic information and selected blood cells from the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test results obtained from the Clinical Laboratory Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, the prognostic predictors for diabetes mellitus were identified. In the univariate analysis, all variables are statistically significance at 5% level of significance. However, at multivariate analysis, only age, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), white blood cells (WBC) and hematocrit (HCT) emerged as significant predictors of diabetes mellitus. Notably, the abnormal level in WBC exhibited the greatest association with diabetes mellitus, reflecting a 114.7% increased risk compared to a normal WBC level. The statistic value obtained from Hosmer-Lemeshow was 0.944 indicating a well-fitting model. Additionally, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve has a value of 0.7, indicating a strong performance of the model. In conclusion, CBC parameters can be accurate markers and useful in assisting clinical decision-making when properly applied and interpreted.

Safety of Small-Diameter Endotracheal Tubes in Microlaryngeal Surgery.

Microlaryngeal surgeries require unique considerations for airway management to facilitate patient safety and adequate surgical exposure. Small-diameter endotracheal tubes (ETTs) are widely used but have raised concerns regarding patient safety, including questions about the potential for barotrauma, effective ventilation, and adequate oxygenation. We hypothesize that small ETTs will prove to be safe in a variety of cases. We conducted a case series analyzing the safety of 5.0 ETTs in microlaryngeal surgeries at Washington University School of Medicine from November 2020 to November 2023. Outcome measures included intraoperative desaturations (SpO2 < 90% for >2 min), high peak inspiratory pressures (PIPs) (>40 cm H2O), and prolonged extubation times (>15 min). Univariate regression models were used to analyze associations of sociodemographic and clinical variables with these outcome measures. This study included 76 small-ETT microlaryngeal surgeries. There were 5 instances of desaturations, no reported incidents of barotrauma, and no cases in which intraoperative tube exchange was required due to issues with oxygenation or ventilation. Median PIP was 38 cm H2O, with a range of 17-78 cm H2O. 46% of patients had a PIP above 40 cm H2O. There were prolonged extubation times in 14% of procedures. No association was shown between sociodemographic and clinical variables with risk of desaturations, high PIPs, or prolonged extubation times. Our study suggests that 5.0 ETTs are safe for microlaryngeal surgery in a variety of patients. Otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists should consider this information when choosing between the multiple available options for airway management during microlaryngeal surgery. Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

The Future Direction of Admission Policy in Korean Medical Colleges: Quo Vadis?

The Future Direction of Admission Policy in Korean Medical Colleges: Quo Vadis?

Discoveries or doubts: a qualitative study of the transformative potential of portfolio meetings.

To adapt to medical school, students need to change their approaches to learning and study. Transformative learning through critical reflection on disorienting learning experiences supports perspective change to direct new activity. We explored how portfolio meetings support changes in students' perspectives towards learning and study during the transition to studying medicine. This qualitative mixed methods study explored changes in medical students' perspectives before and after two portfolio meetings with a mentor during the first year of medicine. Adopting a constructionist approach, we analyzed interview transcripts and written reflections from a diverse sample of students using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings were integrated during analysis. Transformative learning theory was our interpretive lens. Our analysis revealed five themes. Two themes represented students' initial apprehension about portfolio meetings: The Disclosure Dilemma and A Question of Priorities. The theme "Seeing the Big Picture" described new perspectives from reflection on learning while preparing for meetings. Clarity from Dialogue described changed perspectives to learning and study after meetings. In the theme Dialogue Disappointment, meetings perceived as unhelpful led to persisting doubts about the value of portfolio meetings. Transformative learning was evident when students described new insights into their learning leading to goal-setting and new study strategies. When initial meetings were helpful, doubts about portfolio meetings were dispelled, enhancing student engagement in future meetings. Not all meetings were transformative, highlighting the importance of student and mentor preparation and training. Further research is needed to determine whether early portfolio experiences shape later engagement in clinical contexts.

A Pilot Project to Promote Research Competency in Medical Students Through Journal Clubs: Mixed Methods Study.

Undergraduate medical students often lack hands-on research experience and fundamental scientific research skills, limiting their exposure to the practical aspects of scientific investigation. The Cerrahpasa Neuroscience Society introduced a program to address this deficiency and facilitate student-led research. The primary goal of this initiative was to enhance medical students' research output by enabling them to generate and publish peer-reviewed papers within the framework of this pilot project. The project aimed to provide an accessible, global model for research training through structured journal clubs, mentorship from experienced peers, and resource access. In January 2022, a total of 30 volunteer students from various Turkish medical schools participated in this course-based undergraduate research experience program. Students self-organized into 2 groups according to their preferred study type: original research or systematic review. Two final-year students with prior research experience led the project, developing training modules using selected materials. The project was implemented entirely online, with participants completing training modules before using their newly acquired theoretical knowledge to perform assigned tasks. Based on student feedback, the project timeline was adjusted to allow for greater flexibility in meeting deadlines. Despite these adjustments, participants successfully completed their tasks, applying the theoretical knowledge they had gained to their respective assignments. As of April 2024, the initiative has culminated in 3 published papers and 3 more under peer review. The project has also seen an increase in student interest in further involvement and self-paced learning. This initiative leverages globally accessible resources for research training, effectively fostering research competency among participants. It has successfully demonstrated the potential for undergraduates to contribute to medical research output and paved the way for a self-sustaining, student-led research program. Despite some logistical challenges, the project provided valuable insights for future implementations, showcasing the potential for students to engage in meaningful, publishable research.

Implementing Core Entrustable Professional Activities in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Psychometric Study.

This study examines the feasibility and psychometric results of an assessment of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) as a core component of the clinical program of assessment in undergraduate medical education, assesses the learning curves for each EPA, explores the time to entrustment, and investigates the dependability of the EPA data based on generalizability theory (G theory) analysis. Third-year medical students from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 7 required clerkships from May 2022 through April 2023 were assessed. Students were required to obtain at least 4 EPA assessments per week on average from clinical faculty, residents supervising the students, or assessment and coaching experts. Student ratings were depicted as curves describing their performance over time; regression models were used to fit the curves. The complete class of 240 (138 women [58.0%] and 102 men [42.0%]) third-year medical students at the University of Minnesota Medical School (mean [SD] age at matriculation, 24.2 [2.7] years) participated. There were 32,614 EPA-based assessments (mean [SD], 136 [29.6] assessments per student). Reliability analysis using G theory found that an overall score dependability of 0.75 (range, 0-1) was achieved with 4 assessors on 4 occasions. The desired level of entrustment by academic year end was met by all 240 students (100%) for EPAs 1, 6, and 7, 237 (98.8%), 236 (98.3%), and 218 (90.8%) students for EPAs 2, 5, and 9, respectively, 197 students (82.1%) for EPA 3, 178 students (74.2%) for EPA 4, and 145 students (60.4%) for EPA 12. The most rapid growth was for EPA 2 (β0 = .286), followed by EPA 1 (β0 = .240), EPA 4 (β0 = .236), and EPA 10 (β0 = .230). The study findings suggest that EPA ratings provide reliable and dependable data to make entrustment decisions about students' performance.

История становления и развития Краснодарской научной медицинской школы анестезиологии и реаниматологии

Today, a relevant aspect of developing a competent understanding of medicine as a complex science interconnected with a number of humanities disciplines is to consider its history through the prism of the most outstanding research teams of scientific medical schools. The presented article is devoted to consideration of the historical path of formation and development of the scientific medical school of anesthesiology and resuscitation in Kuban. The authors provide data on the prerequisites (conditions for improving knowledge about anesthesiology and resuscitation in the region) and the main stage of this process. The materials of the historiographic research were data from archival funds, in particular the state archive of the Krasnodar Territory and the Museum of History of the Kuban State Medical University, personal collections of members of the scientific school, as well as specialized literature within the scope of the work. The research methodology involved the use of chronological, biographical, analytical and narrative methods.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ЦИФРОВЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ НА ОБУЧЕНИЕ В МЕДИЦИНСКИХ ВУЗАХ: СОЦИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ И ВЛИЯНИЕ НА ЗДРАВООХРАНЕНИЕ

This article is dedicated to the study of the impact of digital technologies on the educational process in medical universities, with a focus on sociological aspects and their significance for the healthcare system. It examines how the use of digital tools and platforms changes students' approaches to studying medicine and shapes their perception of the role of technology in improving the quality of medical services and ensuring public health. The informational and educational environment transforms traditional teaching methods, providing new opportunities for updating curricula and creating conditions for the rapid exchange of information between students and educators. Digitalization of the educational process implies a change in the roles of all participants in the educational process. Students become researchers actively using information and communication technologies to acquire knowledge and practical skills. At the same time, educators assume the role of mentors, supporting students in their learning and possessing the necessary competencies in digital technologies. The article analyzes the most effective tools for facilitating interaction in the educational environment, such as virtual boards like Google Jamboard, Miro, and Padlet, which contribute to the development of critical thinking and presentation skills among students. Additionally, the article addresses the challenges faced by medical universities in the process of integrating digital technologies. Effective implementation of digitalization requires strategic planning and a comprehensive approach to updating educational programs, which will create a sustainable platform for the future professional growth of students. In conclusion, the authors emphasize that digital technologies, along with innovative teaching methods, significantly enhance the quality of education in medical universities. This, in turn, contributes to the training of highly qualified specialists capable of effectively working in modern healthcare conditions, ultimately having a positive impact on public health and the organization of healthcare as a whole.

Address of Thanks By Kharam Molbog, MD (Batch 2024 Valedictorian)

The valedictory speech given by Kharam Molbog for the Class of 2024 at the University of Santo Tomas - Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, centers on resilience, humility, and gratitude. Molbog shares his journey from humble beginnings, to ultimately becoming valedictorian despite numerous challenges, including a medical condition and personal setbacks. His story underscores a message of persistence, the importance of community, and self-belief, capturing his transformation through hard work and the support of family, friends, and mentors.

The Lived Experiences of Students with Bullying in King Khalid University: A Qualitative Approach Study

Psychological health and physiological health are crucial issues for educational institutes. However, bullying in universities remains a significant social issue that requires a deep understanding from the bully’s perspective. This qualitative study investigated students with lived experiences of bullying in two medical colleges at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Nine male students participated in this study through semi-structured group discussions using open-ended questions. The discussions were transcribed, and the data were thematically analyzed. Four themes were identified: (i) the prevalence of bullying, (ii) bullying experiences, (iii) the institutional policy of bullying, and (iv) factors contributing to bullying. Findings showed that students lacked knowledge of their colleges’ anti-bullying policies, and verbal bullying was the prevalent form of bullying in interactions among students and between students and lecturers. In addition, cyberbullying was extended to digital platforms, as indicated by a number of participants. The participants also highlighted the significance of anti-bullying policies, believing that better awareness would empower students to address bullying more effectively. Recommendations were made for universities to implement anti-bullying policies and ensure their visibility to assist students in dealing with bullying situations.

Empowering Medical Students to Address Patient-Initiated Mistreatment at the Transition to Residency: An Education Quality Improvement Study.

Mistreatment from patients is prevalent and has far-reaching negative consequences. To develop a practice-based curriculum on patient-initiated mistreatment and examine participant perceptions before and after the curriculum. Single medical school in the United States. 306 senior medical students from classes 2022 and 2023. A single patient-initiated mistreatment session delivered during specialty-specific residency preparation courses (RPCs) featuring a literature discussion, a response framework, and patient-actor skills practice. Between February 2022 and October 2023, 22 sessions occurred. Electronic surveys were delivered before, following, and approximately eight months after each session. A total of 257 (84.0%) and 174 (56.9%) participants completed pre- and post-session surveys, respectively. Significant increases in mean scores were noted for confidence in recognizing mistreatment (pre-session 4.25, post-session 4.68; p < 0.001) and comfort in addressing mistreatment personally (pre-session 2.86, post-session 4.30; p < 0.001) and as a bystander (pre-session 2.98, post-session 4.27; p < 0.001). In the follow-up survey, participants noted that the session was useful in preparing them for residency. A novel patient-initiated mistreatment curriculum empowered students, resulting in enhanced confidence in responding and sustained skill usage. Medical schools may consider including this training for all graduating students.

Personality traits, interests, and values in medical students: a proposal for a vocational assessment tool for specialty choice

Choosing a medical specialty is a complex, multifactorial process, influenced by a range of factors, including personal motivations, experiences during medical school, job opportunities and remuneration, career stability, availability of residency positions, personality traits, cultural values, sociodemographic factors, and others. The increasing number of medical graduates directly impacts this decision, intensifying competition for residency positions. Universities play a key role in guiding graduates through this decision-making process. However, further research is needed to assist both teachers and students in identifying the most relevant factors influencing this choice. This study aims to explore these factors, considering the individual characteristics of both the medical student and the specialist doctor. It represents the initial step in a research agenda that seeks to develop a psychometric vocational tool to aid in selecting a medical specialty.