Preclinical Medical Students Research Articles

Attitudes towards selfie-taking and its relation to body dysmorphic disorder among pre-clinical medical students

Selfies are self-taken images of people that can reflect human feelings and can disseminate different messages. It is thought that technology has played a big part in the evolution of what is termed nowadays “selfie addiction”. The goal of this study is to examine the prevalence and correlation of Selfie Addiction and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) using two scales – the Psychometric scale for selfie addiction and the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ). This study examines these two phenomena amongst preclinical medical students of King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.This was across-sectional research, which involved 317 preclinical medical students from King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The psychometric scale for selfie addiction is a Likert Scale with ten statements, while the BDDQ constitutes of four statements. The data was collected between 16/2/2021 and 31/10/2021. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained at the beginning of the study.There were a total of 317 responses. The overall prevalence of selfie addiction was 13.88% with females having higher rates than males (22.5% versus 11.4%), and more senior students having a higher prevalence than their junior colleagues (19.5% versus 7.8%). Also, being single was associated with higher scores of (14.0%) compared to the married group (0%). The average score for selfie addiction was 18.66 which is below the cutoff score of 30. The prevalence of BDD was (5.67%), and the average score of BDDQ was 1.03 with a range of 0-4 and standard deviation of 1.3. There was no significant correlation between BDD and demographic variables. There was a very weak correlation between BDD and selfie addiction; the Pearson Correlation value was (r = 0.144, p= 0.01). However, a Chi square comparing those who were addicted to selfies versus not (based on the cutoff score) showed a significant difference in BDD scores. (p=0.044) indicating possible correlation. Results show that the prevalence of selfie addiction was 13.88% which seems significant. BDD had a lower prevalence of 5.67%. Factors related to higher rates of selfie addiction included being a more senior student, being single and female. In contrast, these demographic factors did not seem to be related to BDD. Finally, there was a weak correlation between BDD and selfie addiction. More research is needed to study the correlation between the two domains in different populations.

Impact of an Ultrasound Demonstration on Vascular Surgery Interest in Preclinical Medical Students

One strategy to address the impending shortage of vascular surgeons is to augment interest in the trainee pipeline. Endovascular procedures are unique to vascular surgery (VS) and endovascular simulations have proven effective at generating VS interest in the past. Like endovascular techniques, the use of ultrasound (US) testing in VS is unique among medical specialties. We hypothesized that an interactive US demonstration would increase VS interest in preclinical medical students. We created a 5-point Likert scale survey assessing interest in VS, understanding of VS, likelihood to further investigate VS, choosing VS as a rotational elective, and pursuing VS shadowing and research opportunities. This survey was administered 1day before and 1day after the demonstration. Results were compared via paired t-test. A VS attending assisted by a senior registered vascular technologist covered physics, B-mode, continuous, pulsed wave, and color Doppler in an interactive, hands-on experience. Our dedicated US simulation laboratory enabled simultaneous interactive virtual broadcast and in-person learning. All first-year and second-year students at our medical school were invited via e-mail. Five hundred twelve students were invited, 39 attended, and 19 students who completed surveys were included. Sixty eight percent were female. Attendance at the US demonstration resulted in a significant increase in students' interest in vascular surgery (P=0.012), understanding of vascular surgery (P<0.001), likelihood to further investigate vascular surgery (P<0.001), likelihood to choose a vascular surgery rotation (P<0.001), and likelihood to pursue vascular surgery shadowing and research opportunities (P<0.001). Although only 2 of 6 in-person attendees returned surveys, their increase in average response to all questions was higher than virtual attendees (+1.80 vs. +0.91, P=0.043). Attending an interactive US demonstration significantly increased preclinical medical students' interest in understanding of VS. In-person and virtual attendance both had a positive impact. Such a demonstration may be an effective tool to recruit students. It is imperative that we continue innovating to address the future shortage of vascular surgeons.

Combination of Teddy Bear Hospital and Virtual Reality Training increases empathy of medical students

Introduction: In paediatric practice, healthcare professionals are required to connect with the child and interact at his/her level. However, it can be very difficult for medical students to put themselves in the shoes of the young child, to empathize and understand how a child actually feels while being treated. The Teddy Bear Hospital (TBH) can serve as a platform for medical students to learn how to communicate and empathise with children. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) can be used to portray a child’s viewpoint. This study aims to assess how TBH and VR can improve learning outcomes for medical students. Methods: A cohort study was conducted on 20 first-year medical students taking part in TBH sessions. The medical students did a Pre-, Post- and 1-year Post-intervention Jefferson Scale of Empathy to assess their empathy levels. They also completed a 1-year Post-intervention quantitative and qualitative survey on their experience. Results: There was a significant increase in Jefferson score compared to Pre-intervention (116.95 ± 8.19) for both Post-intervention (121.65 ± 11.03) and 1-year Post-intervention (123.31 ± 8.86). More than 80% believed that participating in TBH improved their confidence and ability to interact with children, while 50% felt that VR scenarios helped prepare them for the TBH. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses described (1) Personal development, (2) Insights into interacting with children, and (3) Structure and curriculum. Conclusion: TBH improved empathy and communication with children among pre-clinical medical students and the use of VR can be used to augment sessions.

Emergency medicine undergraduate simulation training during the COVID-19 pandemic: A course evaluation

ObjectiveReduction in patient-facing teaching encounters has limited practical exposure to Emergency Medicine for medical students. Simulation has traditionally provided an alternative to patient-facing learning, with increasing integration in courses. Rapid advancements in technology facilitate simulation of realistic complex simulations encountered in the emergency setting. This study evaluated the efficacy of high-fidelity simulation in undergraduate emergency trauma medicine teaching. MethodsA consultant trauma expert delivered an introductory lecture, followed by consultant-led small group transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) and chest drain simulations, and a splinting station. Participants then responded to a major trauma incident with simulated patients and high-fidelity mannequins. Pre- and post-surveys were administered to assess change in delegates’ trauma surgery knowledge and confidence. DesignOne-group pretest-posttest research design. SettingA higher education institution in the United Kingdom. ParticipantsA convenience sample of 50 pre-clinical and clinical medical students. ResultsRecall of the boundaries of the safe triangle for chest drain insertion improved by 46% (p < 0.01), and knowledge of cardinal signs of a tension pneumothorax improved by 26% (p = 0.02). There was a 22% increase in knowledge of what transoesophageal echocardiograms (TOEs) measure (p = 0.03), and 38% increased knowledge of contraindications for splinting a leg (p < 0.01). The average improvement in knowledge across all procedures when compared to baseline was 35.8% immediately post-simulation and 22.4% at six-weeks post-simulation. Confidence working in an emergency setting increased by 24% (p < 0.001) immediately, and by 27.2% (p < 0.001) at six weeks. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that simulation training within emergency medicine can result in significant increases in both competency and confidence. Benefits were observed over a six-week period. In the context of reduced patient-facing teaching opportunities, emergency medicine simulation training may represent an invaluable mechanism for delivery of teaching.

Low Back Pain among Pre-clinical MBBS Students: An Inevitable Peril in the Age of Online Education

Introduction: Though low back pain (LBP), is a main cause for ill health and morbidity among all age groups, the prevalence of LBP among the younger age group especially university students is not uncommon. This can be attributed to many hours of sitting during class, faulty posture, sedentary lifestyle or a combination of all these factors more so during online learning and movement control during the pandemic. This study aims to investigate the correlation between long hours of sitting and LBP among pre-clinical medical students in a private university in Malaysia during online learning. Methods: Quantitative data was collected from 100 consenting, pre-clinical MBBS students from year 1 and year 2 who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria using a pre-tested, validated questionnaire. Results: A total of 30 male and 70 female participants responded to the survey. 71(71%) students reported LBP in the past six months with year 2 students reporting a higher incidence. Though the intensity was not severe, most of the students reported acute pain after prolonged sitting episodes. Gender and LBP showed no association in Pearson Chi Square test. The correlation between year of study and LBP was statistically significant at X2=9.179, p=0.002. Point biserial correlation showed a strong, positive correlation between LBP and sitting duration, which was statistically significant (rpb =0.686, &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Pre-clinical MBBS students in the private university showed a high prevalence of LBP which correlated well with year of study and duration of sitting.

Exercise behaviour and the determinant factors among medical students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background and purpose: Students’ physical activity levels decreased significantly after college enrollment. Disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic also affects the students’ exercise level. The psychological aspect and the academic situation of medical students could interact with pandemic disruption differently compared to other students. This study compares exercise behaviour and its determinant factors among medical students before and during the pandemic.&#x0D; Methods: This study was conducted by collecting data in August 2021 and then comparing it to our data collected in July 2011. Participants were determined by a proportional random sampling based on gender and education year. There were 127 and 205 research participants in 2011 and 2021. The exercise behaviour and determinant factors were based on the Transtheory Model of behavioural change and grouped into five stages of exercise levels and four categories of factors. The data were analyzed descriptively and comparison tested for the two years.&#x0D; Results: This study showed a significant increase in exercise behaviour among medical students during the pandemic (p&lt;0.05). The number of students in the pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages has decreased, and those in action and maintenance stages doubled compared to the pre-pandemic period. The change in exercise behaviour showed that changes only occurred in female and clinical-year students (p&lt;0.05). There was no significant change in male and pre-clinical medical students. Predisposing, enabling, and maintenance factors are determinants of exercise behaviour that increased significantly during the pandemic (p&lt;0.05), and personal factors did not increase significantly.&#x0D; Conclusion: Female and clinical-year medical students’ exercise activity increased significantly during the pandemic. Predisposing, enabling, and maintenance factors also increased substantially during the pandemic, while personal factors did not change significantly. Gender-related psychological and behavioural reactions to COVID-19 pandemic disruption explain these results.

Medical students' attitudes and perceptions of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Cyprus.

Infectious diseases constitute a significant problem globally and healthcare professionals (HCP) show suboptimal vaccination rates. We aimed to evaluate the determinants affecting vaccination against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 among medical students in Cyprus. We conducted a cross-sectional study based on a self-reported, anonymous questionnaire that was sent to all medical students of two Medical Schools in the Republic of Cyprus. Among 266 respondents, 50.8% had been vaccinated against influenza in the past and 20.1% in 2020-21. The majority believed that influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are safe and effective. Regarding vaccination in Cyprus, 41.3% did not know the current recommendations and a higher proportion of preclinical students replied incorrectly, compared to clinical students. Slightly over half (56.4%) considered themselves adequately informed about influenza vaccination, with more clinical students appearing confident (p=0.068). An overwhelming 71.2% were concerned about contracting SARS-CoV-2, compared to 25.4% with regards to influenza. Up to 76.8% considered themselves adequately informed about SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, with significantly more clinical students being confident (p<0.001). Although more preclinical students appeared hesitant, most students had either been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (49.4%) or would be as soon as possible (32.1%). Vaccination refusal was 2.3%, a group comprised entirely of preclinical students. Our study provides relevant and actionable information about differences in attitudes and perceptions between clinical and preclinical medical students regarding vaccination against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and highlights the importance of organized, systemic efforts to increase vaccination coverage.

Medical Students and Faculty Perceptions About Online Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: Alfaisal University Experience.

Background and ObjectivesOff-campus online learning methods abruptly increased and gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies have highlighted the limitations of online learning mode; however, further studies on the experiences of medical students are needed. This study aimed to investigate the preclinical medical students and faculty members' experiences with online education and learning.Subjects and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data were collected using convenience sampling. Two hundred nine students and 13 faculty members who participated in the online courses offered during the spring semester of 2019–2020 completed an online questionnaire. A 30-item questionnaire for the students and a 25-item questionnaire for the faculty were used in this cross-sectional study.ResultsOverall, 30% of the student sample was satisfied; importantly, high-achieving students (GPA > 3.5) were less satisfied (25 vs. 32%; p = 0.006). Satisfaction was also low (35%) for student-faculty interaction opportunities. About half of the student sample agreed that small-group interactive sessions would improve learning (53%). The most favored course format was the blended mode (43%), followed by traditional (40%) and online modes (17%). Six out of 13 (46%) faculty members were satisfied with their online experiences. Most of them found virtual teaching applications convenient (77%). Conversely, few faculty members agreed to interact effectively (54%), while 69% favored a blended format.ConclusionsThe level of satisfaction in fully online courses offered during the COVID-19 pandemic remained low, especially among high-achieving students. Both students and faculty favored the blended format for future purposes. Small group active-learning strategies and web-based interactive tools may facilitate engagement and student-faculty interactions.

Volunteering among pre-clinical medical students: Study of its association with academic performance using institutional data.

Background: Participating in volunteering activities during students' higher education experience is becoming more commonplace. Studies have noted that volunteering has a positive impact on the academic performance of undergraduate medical students. However, most of these studies rely on self-reported data like surveys, interviews, and journals. In this study, we leverage actual institutional data to examine the relationship between volunteering and academic performance among medical students in the pre-clinical phases of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program. The current study also explores the factors that might influence students' volunteering behaviours. Methods: Analysis based on retrospective data was conducted in the College of Medicine at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Three years of volunteering records for three cohorts of undergraduate medical students enrolled in the MBBS program between 2016 - 2018 were reviewed and analyzed to complete this study. The correlation between the annual Grade Point Average (GPA) and volunteering was studied across the three cohorts in each study year. Results: Analysis of 153 undergraduate medical students' volunteering records revealed a significant positive relationship between the annual GPA and the number of volunteering in year two. The correlation was insignificant in year one, year three, and across the three cohorts. Conclusions: The association between academic performance and volunteering among undergraduate medical students appeared to be positive. However, this relationship differs across the pre-clinical study years and is likely influenced by factors associated with volunteering that might influence GPA.

Assessment of dropout rates in the preclinical years and contributing factors: a study on one Thai medical school

BackgroundThe highest dropout rate for medical students is during the preclinical years of education. Several studies have reported possible contributing factors, however, studies regarding the dropout rate from medical education among Thai medical students and its associated factors are still lacking. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of dropout from medical education within the preclinical period and its associated factors among Thai medical students.MethodsWe collected data from preclinical medical students who entered one medical school in Bangkok, Thailand, between 2017–2019. Demographic data, admission program, pre-admission mental health status assessed by the Thai Mental Health Indicator 66, mental health records from the faculty-based counseling services, and academic achievement were extracted. Data were reported in a descriptive fashion. We analyzed the association between dropout and these factors by robust Poisson regression.ResultsIn total, 914 students were recruited. Dropout was only 1.5%, which was lower than the previous studies. Regression analysis showed a significant association between dropout and mental health problems [Prevalence ratio (PR) 58.20, 95%CI 13.72- 246.95] but not admission program [PR 0.32, 95%CI 0.09 – 1.16] or failing examinations [PR 0.59, 95%CI 0.18 – 1.90]. However, other contributing factors such as financial status, family problems, medical illness, and students’ motivation, were not evaluated in this study.ConclusionsMental health problems during medical education were associated with dropout after adjusting for other confounding variables. Further longitudinal studies are needed to identify the impacts of academic failure on dropout in higher clinical years.

Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness among Medical Students.

Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and various forms of neglect of children have been encountered more frequently by healthcare providers, particularly physicians. However, mismanagement of child abuse and neglect (CAN) due to a lack of awareness of it can lead to substantial and serious consequences. This study primarily aimed to evaluate the awareness of CAN among medical students and compare it between preclinical and clinical males and females in Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study using a self-reported-based questionnaire was carried out to study child abuse and neglect awareness and compare preclinical and clinical male versus female medical students during the first semester in 2021/2022. The majority of the participants were aware of CAN (90.6%), agreed that CAN exists locally (96.6%), believed that CAN is important in the medical field (96.3%), and expressed the important role of physicians in participating in the management of CAN (84.3%). Some students did not know about the legislation of CAN in Saudi Arabia (15%). The results show a lack of exposure to real CAN cases (80.3%) and the need for more formal education (70.3%). In general, the students were comparable, but there were significant differences showing more awareness in female students compared to males and, similarly, more awareness in clinical-year students. Both clinical and preclinical medical students were aware of CAN, with some concerns regarding their competency in dealing with CAN. CAN should be given more weight in the medical school curriculum.

Cerebral Cortical Activity During Academic Stress Amongst Undergraduate Medical Students at Kampala International University (Uganda).

BackgroundStress among medical students is related to their academic lifespan; however, information on brain health among medical students from developing countries continues to be scarce. The objective of this study was to establish perceived academic stress levels, assess the ability to cope with stress, and investigate its effects on the visual reaction time (VRT), audio reaction time (ART), and tactile reaction time (TRT) in the somatosensory cortex among medical students of Uganda.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among preclinical (n = 88) and clinical (n = 96) undergraduate medical students at Kampala International University Western Campus. A standard Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to categorize stress into low, moderate, and severe while the ability to cope with stress was categorized into below average, average, above average, and superior stresscoper (SS). Data on reaction time were acquired through VRT, ART, and TRT using the catch-a-ruler experiment, and this was analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsThis study shows that preclinical students are more stressed than clinical students (PSS prevalence for low stress = preclinical; clinical: 40, 60%). Moderate stress was 48.4 and 51.6% while high perceived stress was 75 and 25% among preclinical and clinical students. Among male and female students in preclinical years, higher TRT and VRT were found in clinical students showing that stress affects the tactile and visual cortical areas in the brain, although the VRT scores were only significantly (P = 0.0123) poor in male students than female students in biomedical sciences. Also, highly stressed individuals had higher TRT and ART and low VRT. SS had high VRT and ART and low TRT in preclinical students, demonstrating the importance of the visual cortex in stress plasticity. Multiple regression showed a close relationship between PSS, ability to cope with stress, age, and educational level (P < 0.05), demonstrating the importance of social and psychological support, especially in the biomedical sciences.ConclusionPreclinical students suffer more from stress and are poorer SS than clinical students. This strongly impairs their cortical regions in the brain, thus affecting their academic productivity.

The relationship between school burnout, sense of school belonging and academic achievement in preclinical medical students.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between school burnout, sense of school belonging, and academic achievement in medical students. This cross-sectional study was performed with students at the Ondokuz Mayıs University Medical Faculty (Samsun, Turkey) between 1 and 31 May 2019. Six hundred one (71.0%) first, second, and third-year students were included in the study. A questionnaire was employed as the data collection method. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. The first part consisted of questions investigating sociodemographic information produced by the authors by scanning the literature. The second part consisted of the School Burnout Inventory and the Psychological Sense of School Membership Scale. The relationship between the sense of school belonging, school burnout, and academic achievement was evaluated using structural equation modeling. The structural equation modeling analysis determined that school burnout played a mediating role in the relationship between the sense of school belonging and academic achievement in preclinical medical students. As the sense of belonging to the school increases in preclinical medical students, academic achievement increases. School burnout in preclinical medical students increases as a sense of school belonging decreases. Academic achievement among preclinical medical students decreases as school burnout levels increase. Increasing the sense of school belonging can be effective in preventing school burnout and increasing academic achievement.

Impact of Instagram Usage Intensity on Self-Esteem among Preclinical Medical Students

Background: Instagram is one of the social media that is growing rapidly in Indonesia. However, the impact of Instagram usage intensity, especially on the users’ emotional well-being, is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the impact of the intensity of using Instagram on the self-esteem among preclinical medical students in Jakarta. Methods: This study was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional approach in preclinical medical students in Jakarta, Indonesia, conducted from January 2020 to January 2021. Sampling was performed by stratified random sampling followed by simple random sampling. Instagram usage intensity and self-esteem were measured using the Instagram Intensity Scale Questionnaire (IISQ) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. Results: Of the108 students, 45.4% had used Instagram above the usage intensity average (average 3.01), of whom 30.6% had low self-esteem (15 out of 49). There was a significant relationship between Instagram usage intensity and self-esteem (p=0.031). Conclusion: Instagram usage intensity has an impact on the self-esteem of preclinical medical students. Further studies are needed to explore this issue, as to see other contributing factors and a larger population with different characteristics.

Evaluation of Educational Environment: Perceptions of Preclinical and Clinical Year Medical Students from Malaysia

Evaluation of Educational Environment: Perceptions of Preclinical and Clinical Year Medical Students from Malaysia

An exploratory study on the challenges faced and coping strategies used by preclinical medical students during the COVID-19 crisis.

PurposeThe impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis on medical education includes reduced clinical training, a significant loss of learning time and a probable decline in confidence of being a doctor. These recent changes will have significant effect on the well-being of medical students and interventional support needs to be given early. This study explores the challenges faced and coping strategies used by preclinical medical students during the crisis.MethodsA qualitative study involving 13 preclinical medical students was conducted between August and September 2020 at a medical school in Malaysia. An in-depth individual interview via Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Corp.) with semi-structured questions was conducted. The recorded interview data were thematically analyzed using the six phases of Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis.ResultsThe challenges faced were identified under three themes: psychosocial impact of lockdown, significant lifestyle changes, and impact on professional progression. Meanwhile, four themes emerged in coping strategies that include behavioral strategies, re-appraisal of the uncertainties of situation, active coping mechanisms, and regulation of emotion with coping reserve. There are indications that personality traits determine strategies to cope with challenges faced during the crisis which may either lead to resilience building or experiencing burnout.ConclusionThe findings of the study highlighted the urgent need to develop early preventive and intervention strategies to address the mental health of medical students to mitigate stress and promote positive well-being in times of crisis.

Evaluation of A School of Medical Students' Attitudes towards Violence Against Women in Istanbul

Abstract Purpose: Violence against women has become an important public health and human rights issue. In this study, we aimed to determine and evaluate the attitudes of students in a medical school in Istanbul towards violence against women. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The population of the cross-sectional study consists of 1523 undergraduate students studying at the Faculty of Medicine of a university on the Anatolian side of Istanbul in the 2020-2021 academic year. The sample size was calculated as a minimum of 461 people with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. Our study was carried out with 504 participants in total. The research data were collected using a questionnaire designed to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and the "Attitudes towards Violence Scale (SITO)", which evaluates the attitudes of the participants towards violence. Results: Among the participants %65.3 were female and 34.7% were male. While 41.9% of the participants in our study were preclinical medical students, 58.1% were clinical medical students. There is a statistical significant difference between the total scores of men and women from the SITO(Attitudes towards Violence Scale) scale (p&amp;lt;0.001). While the mean SITO(Attitudes towards Violence Scale) total score of preclinical medical students was 32.38+-0.37, the mean SITO(Attitudes towards Violence Scale) total score of clinical medical students was 33+-0.47. Considering the scores obtained from the all SITO(Attitudes towards Violence Scale) subscales, there was a significant difference between whether the students were preclinical or clinical and the scores they got from the SITO(Attitudes towards Violence Scale) emotional subscale (p&amp;lt;0.05). When the scale scores of the participants were examined according to the region they were born, a significant difference was observed between the participants in terms of the scores obtained from the SITO(Attitudes towards Violence Scale) economic subscale according to the region of birth (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: The gender, class level, place of residence, region of birth, economic status of the students and their parents' work and education levels affect their attitudes towards violence against women. Keywords: Medical students, Violence, Attitudes

Exploring Preclinical Medical Students’ Reflections on their Learning Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed considerable challenges to higher education. To understand how the new landscape of curriculum delivery affects learning experience, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted among preclinical medical students in Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia between March 2021 and April 2021. Data were collected using an online Padlet platform which included an open-ended question with additional guided questions whereby students wrote their reflective writings, describing their perceptions on how online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected their education. All reflective writings were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed based on an established framework of systematic, robust, and credible thematic synthesis. A total of six students provided their reflective writings. The analyses revealed four themes. ‘Adaptability and flexibility’ appeared as the prominent theme, followed by ‘reduced learning acuity’, ‘compromised tacit learning’, and ‘supports from policy and practice’. Students’ adaptability to the new educational practices is indispensable to harvest the advantage of being flexible with online-based learning. It was concluded that key strategies for quality online-based learning during the COVID-19 pandemic include educators’ training on engaging techniques, planning that avoids excessive and successive online classes, support for dedicated learning space at home, family engagement to reduce distractions, and students’ access to quality technological hardware and software. Engineering solutions for affordable and reliable Internet connectivity are the main policy issues. Finally, the study recommends long-term educational goals which should address the irreplaceable aspects of tacit learning that are lost when transitioning to online-based learning.

Volunteering among pre-clinical medical students: Study of its association with academic performance using institutional data

Background: Participating in volunteering activities during students’ higher education experience is becoming more commonplace. Studies have noted that volunteering has a positive impact on the academic performance of undergraduate medical students. However, most of these studies rely on self-reported data like surveys, interviews, and journals. In this study, we leverage actual institutional data to examine the relationship between volunteering and academic performance among medical students in the pre-clinical phases of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program. The current study also explores the factors that might influence students’ volunteering behaviours. Methods: Analysis based on retrospective data was conducted in the College of Medicine at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Three years of volunteering records for three cohorts of undergraduate medical students enrolled in the MBBS program between 2016 – 2018 were reviewed and analyzed to complete this study. The correlation between the annual Grade Point Average (GPA) and volunteering was studied across the three cohorts in each study year. Results: Analysis of 153 undergraduate medical students' volunteering records revealed a significant positive relationship between the annual GPA and the number of volunteering in year two. The correlation was insignificant in year one, year three, and across the three cohorts. Conclusions: The association between academic performance and volunteering among undergraduate medical students appeared to be positive. However, this relationship differs across the pre-clinical study years and is likely influenced by factors associated with volunteering that might influence GPA.

Bringing the "Joy of Healthy Eating" to Advanced Medical Students: Utilizing a Remote Learning Platform to Teach Culinary Medicine: Findings from the First Online Course Based on the ACLM's Whole-Food Plant-Based Culinary Medicine Curriculum.

Over 80% of chronic disease is caused by lifestyle practices, including an unhealthy diet. Despite this, most medical students in the United States graduate having received minimal nutrition education, guidance towards improving their nutrition, or skills needed to coach patients to adopt a healthier diet. This study aimed to educate fourth-year medical students in evidence-based knowledge regarding a delicious, whole-food plant-based diet while introducing practical culinary skills and patient coaching skills. We adapted an open-source culinary medicine curriculum designed for in-person teaching of pre-clinical medical students to provide a novel 1-month online elective to fourth-year medical students. We used a 26-item pre/post questionnaire to assess change in evidence-based knowledge regarding nutrition, culinary skills, patient coaching skills, and attitudes toward a whole-food plant-based diet. In addition, we reviewed narrative comments by the student participants, course directors, and medical-school administrators. Scores in all 4 domains were tested, and for all individual questions, they showed statistically significant improvement following the course. Most narrative responses were positive, and areas for improvement were also identified. We successfully adapted an open-source whole-food plant-based culinary medicine curriculum for advanced medical students into a 1-month elective taught on a virtual platform. This course filled a need for training in nutrition and counseling for these students as they start their professional careers.