Postgraduate Level Research Articles

Medication Adherence and Practices in Pediatric Patients

Background: Improper medication practices and non-adherence are the biggest challenges faced by pediatricians in outpatient practice. Hence this study was aimed at determining the medication practices and factors affecting adherence. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Southern India over a period of 3 months (January to March 2023), to study medication adherence and parental medication practices in pediatric patients. A pre structured questionnaire was administered to parents of 320 children. Results: Majority of the parents (55%) had children aged 1-5 years of age. It was noted that most of the families (89%) were above poverty line (APL). About 34% parents were educated till graduate level and 17% were educated beyond post graduate level. Frequency of medication adherence in our study was found to be 78%. It was noted that parents with education of graduate level and above, those belonging to APL families and the ones with no fear of adverse drug reactions showed higher medication adherence as compared to other parents and this association was found to be statistically significant (p <0.001). Majority of the parents (80%) reported that their children preferred liquid formulations, of which 57% preferred fruit flavoured ones. Around 51% parents preferred twice daily dosing of medications. While 47% parents used previous prescriptions, 39% bought over the counter medicines, especially paracetamol. Conclusion: Knowledge about medication practices and factors affecting adherence is important in order to provide quality health care. Actively involving children and parents while prescribing medications with health education goes a long way in improving adherence.

Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus in the Ernakulam District, South India: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction India is currently experiencing a significant burden of diabetes mellitus, characterized by its high prevalence and associated complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes, leading to blindness. Awareness regarding this ocular complication of diabetes can help prevent vision loss due to early screening and diagnosis. However, awareness of DR among diabetes patients remains low, especially among developing nations, which affects the smooth functioning of health programs and interventions. This study aimed to determine the independent predictors of awareness regarding DR among patients with diabetes mellitus in the Ernakulam district of Kerala state in South India. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2024 to July 2024 among patients with diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care hospital in Kerala. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The patients' responses regarding awareness of DR were scored on a two-point scale, with correct responses receiving a score of 2 and incorrect responses receiving a score of 1. The total score ranged from 20 to 40. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA, USA), numerically coded, and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive analysis was carried out to characterize the study participants and was expressed in frequencies, percentages, and mean (±standard deviation (SD)). Independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for bivariate analyses. A multivariable linear regression model was used to determine the independent predictors of DR awareness score. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study included a total of 253 patients. The mean ± SD age of the study participants was 58.74 ± 12.51 years, and the majority (55.7%) were females. While 161 (63.6%, 95% CI: 57.71-69.56) patients were not aware that DR was due to the abnormal changes in the blood vessels of the retina, 219 (86.6%, 95% CI: 82.36-90.76) patients were aware that DR screening includes evaluation of the retina by dilating the eye. The independent predictors that had a positive impact on DR awareness scores were: (1) age (B = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.18-2.35), (2) education (B = 4.32; 95% CI: 3.57-5.06), and (3) family history of diabetes (B = 1.04; 95% CI: -1.79 to -0.29). The independent predictor that had a negative impact on DR awareness scores was the occupation of the patients: (a) semi-professional, skilled, unskilled (B = -1.24; 95% CI: -2.26 to -0.21), and (b) unemployed, retired (B = -1.32; 95% CI: -2.43 to -0.21). Conclusion It is crucial to evaluate the awareness of DR among patients with diabetes in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, South India. Age, graduate and post-graduate levels of education, as well as family history of diabetes, were the positive predictors of awareness, while lower-level occupations, including unemployment and retirement, were the negative predictors. This information is crucial for developing effective strategies for the early detection, treatment, and prevention of this ocular complication of diabetes. Future research should include longitudinal studies coupled with in-depth interviews, which would provide valuable insights into public perception and attitudes toward DR.

Relationship of Time Planning with Post-Graduate Level Students' Anxiety

The study investigated the correlation between time planning and anxiety levels among postgraduate students during research work. A descriptive survey method was used to obtain data from 200 postgraduate students both males and females from six public and six private universities. The findings showed that most students had strong time planning skills and moderate anxiety levels, whereas there was a significant positive weak correlation between short-range and long-range planning of time with anxiety levels. In addition, there were no significant gender differences in time planning or anxiety levels. The findings highlighted the importance of flexible time planning practices in reducing anxiety among postgraduate students.

Can ‘restorative circles’ build relationships on master’s degrees? Exploring students’ and lecturers’ experiences and perceptions of impact

ABSTRACT Research suggests a connection between student relationships with other students and lecturers, and their outcomes and experiences of higher education. Yet, master’s students are overlooked in this area of practice and research, with few studies investigating relationship building at the postgraduate level. To date, moreover, no studies have used restorative circles – a methodology for designing and structuring dialogue processes that aims to build relationships among a group – on master’s programmes. This article outlines the key findings from a study of a novel project, the ‘MA Dialogue’, on an Irish master’s degree. Using restorative circles, this brought students and lecturers together for regular conversations to build their relationships. The dataset consists of 35 interviews with students (26/51) and lecturers (9/10) who participated in ‘MA Dialogue’ sessions over two academic years, considering their experiences and perceptions of its impact. The findings indicate that the project was experienced as a unique opportunity for relationship building, reportedly perceived to humanise lecturers, facilitate students’ transitions to master’s study, and support teaching and learning. If relationship building is a pedagogical strategy that transcends geographical and disciplinary boundaries, then quantitative research is warranted to investigate the effectiveness of restorative circles for relationship-building in higher education.

Developing a Supportive Community of Practice

This paper employs a qualitative case study to suggest how the research journey of doctoral students can be improved in educational institutions by encouraging the formation of small and informal Communities of Practice (CoP). It examines themes emerging from the feelings and opinions of four part-time professional doctorate students about their study experience and participation in their emergent CoP. A peer group developed where the students share their experience, expertise, insight, and knowledge in a caring and supportive, but informal, forum. CoP could become an effective tool to aid retention, identity development and wellbeing of postgraduate level students, factors which have been previously identified as key areas of risk. An autoethnographic approach was used to review the feelings, perceptions, and opinions of the four case study group members about their experiences of the informal CoP to date. Thematic analysis of transcripts and WhatsApp communications was used to reveal the perceived common benefits and gains from participation in the informal CoP such as joy, safe spaces, and identity development, aligning members experiences to a CoP lifecycle. The study found small group formation at doctoral programme induction, and encouragement for students to organise their own regular study days using of social channels, may impact overall success. Application and adaptation of this doctoral CoP model could form the basis for future research and a model for academic institutions to suggest to new and existing students

The Wade Programme in surgical anatomy: educational approach and 10-year review

Against a background of significant changes in UK medical education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) established the Wade Programme in Surgical Anatomy in 2012, as a means of supporting the study of surgical anatomy throughout training. This article provides a 10-year review of the Wade Programme and its educational foundation. A novel methodology, the 'Wade Educational Approach', was used in the design and development of a portfolio of professional courses at three training levels: Level 1 - RCSEd Affiliate, Level 2 - Early Years (MRCS) and Level 3 - Later Years (FRCS and CPD). The Wade Approach is founded on the principles of visualization ('visualize'), conceptual understanding ('conceptualize') and the active application of anatomical knowledge to all aspects of surgical practice ('apply'). From 2012 to 2022, 105 courses were delivered to 1191 delegates across the globe, with a feedback form response rate of 95%. Feedback was uniformly excellent across the complete course portfolio, with the Wade Approach cited as a novel strategy for principle-based learning and teaching. The two-fold development of a novel educational approach and modular course design proved adaptable across a wide range of different courses, levels and specialties. The Wade Programme was established to support the study of surgical anatomy throughout training, from undergraduate study to consultant practice. The Wade Approach should also be of help to all who are engaged in anatomy education and the training of the next generation of clinicians.

7809 Role Of Education In Enhancing Preventative Vaccine Awareness Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Saudi Arabia

Abstract Disclosure: S.F. Alqifari: None. T. Alrasheed: None. O. Al Komi: None. P. Amirthalingam: None. M.A. Muqresh: None. H.R. Hamad: None. A.A. Khojah: None. N.M. Alshehri: None. B.A. Alhunayhani: None. B.M. AbuAlhasan: None. N.A. Alajlan: None. S.M. Alatawi: None. N.M. Alsabeelah: None. A.S. Wasel: None. Role of Education in Enhancing Preventative Vaccine Awareness among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major chronic disease that requires lifelong management. It requires multidisciplinary efforts from physicians, pharmacists, dieticians, and diabetic educators. Awareness of the importance of follow-up, management, and preventive vaccination decreases the burden of possible complications. The impact of the level of education of patients with diabetes and awareness of preventive vaccination in Saudi Arabia is unclear. Objectives: This study aims to understand the association of the level of education with preventative vaccine awareness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is an observational retrospective study where the data was collected from 13 diabetes center records in Saudi Arabia from November 2022 to May 2023, the records include education level and vaccination reports among 709 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results: Participants in this study were between the ages of 46 to 65. Participants aged 18 to 25 and 36 to 45 accounted for 24.3% and 16.2% of the participants, respectively, while those aged 26 to 35 and above 65 represented 11.6% and 5.6% of the participants, respectively. In terms of gender distribution, there were slightly more female participants (55.7%) than male participants (44.3%). Most participants (55.9%) held a bachelor's degree, followed by individuals who had completed school education (31.73%). A smaller proportion had post-graduate education (7.3%) or education levels below primary school (5.1%). Regarding vaccination status, a significant proportion of participants (85.89%) had received the COVID-19 vaccine, while the percentages for other vaccines were lower, such as Influenza (34.83%), Hepatitis B (7.19%), and Pneumococcal (3.94%). A small number of participants reported receiving the Herpes Zoster (2.96%), Tdap (2.11%), or HPV (1.12%) vaccines, and surprisingly, 10.01% of participants reported never receiving any vaccines. Conclusion: The level of education among individuals with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia impacted their uptake of preventive vaccinations. Most participants were vaccinated against COVID-19, followed by influenza, while the rate of other vaccines remained low. These findings highlight the need to increase awareness and education among type 2 diabetes patients regarding the importance of seeking necessary preventive vaccinations. Presentation: 6/3/2024

It's not that SIMPL—Identifying deficiencies in general surgery trainees' autonomy and competence performing parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy

BackgroundAlthough many parathyroid and thyroid operations are performed by nonfellowship-trained general surgeons in the United States, there is growing uncertainty of whether graduating residents can perform these procedures competently. This study investigates trends in competency and autonomy among general surgery residents performing parathyroid and thyroid operations using a national survey-based dataset. MethodsA retrospective analysis of the Society for Improving Medical Professional Learning database was performed. Case data from categorical general surgery residents performing parathyroidectomy or thyroidectomy between 2015 and 2023 were included. Competent performance and meaningful autonomy were dichotomized on the basis of faculty surgeon responses. Agreement between resident and faculty evaluations were assessed. Logistic regression was used to examine resident performance and autonomy using postgraduate year level and case complexity as covariates. ResultsThe study included 907 parathyroidectomies and 1,555 thyroidectomies from 724 residents at 77 residency programs. Competent performance was observed in 34.0% of parathyroidectomies and 38.6% of thyroidectomies. Meaningful autonomy was observed in 31.6% of parathyroidectomies and 32.3% of thyroidectomies. Residents and faculty agreed on performance (50.3%) and autonomy (59.1%) in most cases, however when discordant residents often underestimated their performance (44.7%) or autonomy (25.3%). The likelihood of postgraduate year 5 residents demonstrating competent performance or meaningful autonomy was 65.9% and 51.6%, respectively for parathyroidectomy and 77.2% and 58.4%, respectively for thyroidectomy. ConclusionMany graduating residents do not demonstrate competent performance or meaningful autonomy in parathyroidectomy and thyroidectomy. Further initiatives are needed to improve graduating general surgeons' competence for these operations, given access disparities to high-volume endocrine surgeons.

Современная российская аспирантура: проблемы и ключевые факторы развития

The article explores the key issues of postgraduate training. Today, there are a number of contradictions that are associated with the need to develop a holistic concept for determining the place and functions of postgraduate studies in modern society. The paper aims to analyze the main difficulties and problems that candidates for an academic degree face during their postgraduate studies. Research methods: the Main Problems of Postgraduate Studies questionnaire developed and tested by the authors, a method of statistical data analysis. The study revealed that the main goals of entering postgraduate studies for most postgraduate students are associated with obtaining an academic degree, and more than 50% of respondents consider scientific activity to be their calling. The main difficulty noted by postgraduate students is the lack of opportunity to conduct research work and test its results. Among other factors, they highlight the need to combine the work with education. But at the same time, almost 77% of students do not plan to drop out. The paper concludes that postgraduate students of the Siberian Federal University have high motivational and target settings, allowing them to successfully study, engage in scientific activity, and obtain an academic degree. The study findings will help create measures of legal and organizational support, which will allow establishing collaborations, building interdisciplinary links between specialties to obtain high-quality scientific research, as well as attracting foreign applicants to study at the postgraduate level in Russia.

Impact of Social Media Addiction Among Medical Students on Their Social Interaction, Well-Being, and Personality: A Comparative Study.

Background Social media addiction has emerged as a growing concern, particularly among young adults, including medical students who face unique stressors and demands. The widespread usage of social media platforms can lead to addictive behaviors affecting mental health, academic performance, and interpersonal relationships. Understanding the relationship between social media addiction, personality traits, social interaction, and overall well-being is crucial for developing effective interventions to support this vulnerable group. Aim To study the relationship of social media addiction with social interaction, well-being, and personality in medical students. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 students from a medical institution, including both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Data were collected through an online survey, administered via Google Forms. Social Media Addiction Scale-Student Form (SMA-SF), Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and Social Phobia Scale, Medical Student Well-Being Index (MSWBI), Three-Item Loneliness Scale (T-ILS), and Short Big Five Inventory Scale (BFI-10) were applied to all the participants. Results A total of 292 medical students participated in the study, comprising 122 males and 170 females. The analysis revealed that both male and female students exhibit similar levels of susceptibility to social media addiction, as evidenced by comparable scores on measures of social media addiction, social interaction anxiety, social phobia, loneliness, well-being, and personality traits. Regression analysis identified time spent on social media and agreeableness as significant predictors of social media addiction, with no signs of multicollinearity. These findings indicate that male and female medical students share similar psychological profiles, highlighting critical factors that influence social media usage within this population. Conclusion This study highlights a significant prevalence of social media addiction among medical students, affecting 76.7% (n = 224) of participants, with slightly higher rates observed among females (n = 132, 78%) compared to males (n = 92, 72%). This addiction correlates with adverse psychological traits such as heightened social interaction anxiety, social phobia, and loneliness, along with personality traits like neuroticism. Both genders exhibit similar susceptibility to addiction, influenced by factors such as time spent socializing and agreeableness. Addressing these findings through targeted interventions could improve medical students' overall well-being and mental health outcomes, underscoring the need for further research and effective strategies in academic settings.

THE INFLUENCE OF COMPETENCE AND INTERNAL COMMUNICATION ON LECTURER PERFORMANCE AT PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN MEDAN CITY

The tight competition among private universities in Medan City, especially at the postgraduate level, leads to an increase in quality based on the quality of lecturers. Lecturer performance is critical to improve the quality of graduates. Several variables affect teacher performance. This study focuses on lecturers who teach master's and doctoral programs at private universities in Medan City. The number of respondents in the survey was 255 lecturers. The structured equation model was used to process the data of this study. The results of this study indicate that the variables of competence and job satisfaction significantly affect lecturer satisfaction; the variable of job satisfaction mediates the effect of competence on lecturer performance. Job satisfaction is the most dominant factor affecting teacher performance, while internal communication does not significantly affect teacher performance.

Beyond Boundaries: A Reflection on the Implementation of Universal Design for Learning in Business School Pedagogy

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has the potential to enhance educational inclusivity by offering all learners equal opportunities to succeed. This reflection is based on the implementation of UDL principles in a University business school, culminating in a summary of the commonalities and differences between undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as presenting a range of other pertinent insights. Ultimately, this reflection calls for a global commitment to embedding UDL principles within business school pedagogy, ensuring inclusive and equitable education for an increasingly diverse student body and preparing students as tomorrows leaders to engage in positive global change, in line with United Nations SDGs.

Making inroads in the Indian AI imaging market

Research methodology This case study involves interviews with radiologists of various hospitals and with company personnel. Both primary and secondary data sources have been used. The first-hand perspective from the radiologists highlighted the challenges they face concerning time and the patient load. The company personnel highlighted using machine learning for used cases to make the platform more robust and accurate. This case has been tested with MBA students. Case overview/synopsis An emerging health-care artificial intelligence (AI) start-up, DeepTek.AI, wants to expand its reach in the radiology market. The company intends to leverage technology to assist radiologists in diagnostics. India's health-care sector faces the challenge of needing more trained doctors and nurses to meet the ever-increasing needs of patients. This case study revolves around the radiologists' concerns about implementing the new technology and its ease of use. The features and benefits of integrating AI in diagnostics are the need of the hour, but the reliability of results needs to be ascertained for adopting it. Complexity academic level This case was written for marketing applications and practices, trends in marketing, marketing strategy and technology adoption in marketing courses at the post-graduate level. Consumer adoption of finance, hospitality, travel and health-care technology is vital for increasing the company's market share and growth prospects. The students will have an opportunity to understand the challenges and the opportunities.

Ten years of immersive education: Overview of a Virtual and Augmented Reality course at postgraduate level

In recent years, the market has seen the emergence of numerous affordable sensors, interaction devices, and displays, which have greatly facilitated the adoption of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) across various applications. However, developing these applications requires a solid understanding of the field and specific technical skills, which are often lacking in current Computer Science and Engineering education programs. This work details an extended version from a Eurographics 2024 Education Paper, reporting a post-graduate-level course that has been taught for the past ten years to almost 200 students, across several Master’s programs. The course introduces students to the fundamental principles, methods, and tools of VR/AR. Its primary objective is to equip students with the knowledge necessary to understand, create, implement, and evaluate applications using these technologies. The paper provides insights into the course structure, key topics covered, assessment methods, as well as the devices and infrastructure utilized. It also includes an overview of various practical projects completed over the years. Among other reflections, we discuss the challenges of teaching this course, particularly due to the rapid evolution of the field, which necessitates constant updates to the curriculum. Finally, future perspectives for the course are outlined.

Beeyond Foods: creating a sweet honey revolution

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the students will be able to[1] review the industry analysis using Porter’s five forces and strength, weakness, opportunities, threats framework and understand how a firm can achieve a competitive advantage, analyze the stakeholder theory and the salience of stakeholder mapping for enterprises with large number of stakeholders, apply the Mendelow framework of stakeholder mapping in this context and integrate it with stakeholder engagement for small enterprises and examine and evaluate how new age enterprises can engage better with stakeholders to provide a higher value creation. Case overview/synopsis Ayushi Srivastava started her enterprise, Beeyond Foods, in early 2021 with the aim to provide unadulterated, raw honey to consumers. She also wanted to help the beekeeping community by providing the beekeepers with a fair price for the procurement of honey from the bee hives. Beeyond Foods was a small enterprise in India that sold two variants of honey to consumers. The first variant was sourced from the Himalayan region of India, whereas the second was sourced from the Western Ghats of India. The primary distribution channel was trade fairs, where Srivastava would assemble her stall and sell honey to potential customers. Furthermore, a part of the sales was also driven by an electronic channel, which was through the company website. Customers could place their orders, and the honey would directly be delivered to their homes. With a successful start to the business, Srivastava was interested to scale her business and reach more customers. However, she was mindful that there were multiple stakeholders involved in the business. Srivastava had to study the values and needs of each stakeholder, while simultaneously formulate a strategy to expand her reach. This case study is designed to teach the concept of stakeholder value creation for small business enterprises. Complexity academic level This case study is well suited for an entrepreneurship and strategy course at the postgraduate (Master of Business Administration) level. This case study can also be taught in a marketing course. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS3: Entrepreneurship.

Medow Brite Enterprises: a growth strategy dilemma

Learning outcomes After completion of this case study, students will be able to understand about characteristics of urban poor in the city of Mumbai which will aid in understanding about other emerging markets as well, to apply Health Belief Model to help students analyse behaviour change model, to apply social marketing strategies to popularize a social marketing cause, to learn about non-traditional intermediaries and apply to promote a social marketing cause, to apply Ansoff matrix and evaluate various strategies for growth and to analyse various challenges faced by social entrepreneurs and enable learners to arrive at solutions (applicable for social entrepreneurs and marketing executives). Case overview/synopsis This case study looked at a Mumbai-based organization, Medow Brite Enterprises, which sold sanitary napkins under the brand FeelOn to women particularly from urban poor background. The protagonist Mrs Ameeta Neel Ramesh was at the helm of the organization and was stuck with a dilemma – whether to enter rural markets or focus on selling incinerators and aid in disposing used sanitary napkins which was adding to the volume of non-biodegradable waste in the city. In 2019, Ameeta made her first investment in Medow Brite. The organization had seen turbulent times during COVID-19 outbreak. However, Ameeta with her astute strategy, helped the company get back on its feet. Medow Brite instead of manufacturing started procuring quality sanitary napkins from specific vendors. In contrast to many other sanitary napkins available in the market, FeelOn had cotton sanitary napkin variant without presence of plastic in the pads. Ameeta had taken a different route for sale of her sanitary napkin, she conducted awareness sessions with the help of non-governmental organizations in various locations of Mumbai as well as Maharashtra. Post these sessions she sold her sanitary napkins among the attendees of the awareness sessions. Complexity academic level The case study can be included in marketing management course, consumer behaviour as well as social marketing courses in both undergraduate level and postgraduate level. In addition, the case study is also suitable for social entrepreneurs and marketing executives to discuss about non-traditional sales and marketing approaches, identifying unique segments and understanding behaviour change theories. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing.

Quantitative Assessment of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Awareness among Postgraduate Commerce Students in the Coimbatore District, India

Aim: Key motive is to research the prevailing level of awareness level of commerce post graduate students on cyber crime and cyber security in their day-to-day life. Design/ Methodology/Approach: In the current research paper, data has been collected based on census method using high ended questionnaire from 178 M. Com students from University in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nādu in India. The accumulated information is further analyzed in testing their level of awareness using descriptive statistics and Anova to check the difference with respect to their demographics. The Researchers want to know how college students feel about being aware of cybercrime and cyber security so they are looking into that. Findings: The study has identified the factors for the level of awareness on cybercrime with 5 variables and cybersecurity with 6 variables. These variables have different perspective with respect to the demographic factors of the commerce post graduate students. Especially the Course of study and the year of study creates difference in the awareness level. Research Limitations: The study is a valuable understanding for the students in commerce stream at their post graduate level in knowing their level of understanding and awareness of cybercrimes and cyber security. This study has only focused on the commerce post graduate students of university and it is restricted to the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nādu alone. The results cannot be generalized commonly for the students in post-graduation. Originality: The study is original contribution to understand the awareness of commerce post graduate students in Tamil Nadu. It can be definitely used for further references in terms of level of awareness of students from different range or the study can be further expanded by the researchers and policy makers in developing the safety and awareness measures towards cybercrime and cybersecurity.

Can high-quality postgraduate Master's level programmes play a role in training dentists to deliver appropriate orthodontic treatment as non-specialists?

Can high-quality postgraduate Master's level programmes play a role in training dentists to deliver appropriate orthodontic treatment as non-specialists?

Pre- and Postgraduate Training in Communication Skills: the Experience of the West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University

In the modern system of medical education, the development of communicative competence is a prerequisite for the training of a qualified medical worker. Successful acquisition of communicative skills allows improving the quality of medical care provided to the population. For this, the learning process must be continuous: from student years to practical medical activity. M. Ospanov West Kazakhstan Medical University has extensive experience in teaching communicative skills, both at the pre-graduate and postgraduate levels of education.

The humanities impacting communities through entrepreneurship: A case study of student enterprise from a South African university

The role of a university education is to transform and develop communities through the production of academically competent graduates and research, as well as through knowledge creation. However, research has shown that the level of unemployment in South Africa remains high despite the increasing number of graduates. The Faculty of the Humanities at a South African university has been intentional in impacting communities by inculcating a culture of entrepreneurship among students. In this article, I reflect on a case study of students from various disciplines, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, who have been mentored in entrepreneurship, have registered a business, and interacted with communities to provide identified services. I follow a participatory research approach to engage the students in a reflection on their relationships with the community members and on the impact of their interventions on these communities. I also analysed the data collected through a focus group discussion and semi-structured interviews to identify common themes and determine the attributes developed by students as they engaged in entrepreneurship. The findings from the reflections demonstrate the humanities students’ perceived value of entrepreneurship on communities’ development and graduates’ employability.