Public Sector Medical College Research Articles

Artificial intelligence (AI) in Medicine: A cross-sectional study of undergraduate medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived importance of Artificial Intelligence.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of AI among medical students in a public sector medical college of Punjab, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Period: January 2024 to March 2024. Methods: With sample size of 137 convenient sampling technique was used, questionnaire was generated and data was collected from 1st year to final year via online Google forms. Then, data analysis was done using IBM SPSS software version 26. Results: 137 students participated in the study. Majority of the students 123(89.8%) were aware of Artificial Intelligence and its fascinating tools; some out of them 57(41.6%) also knew about Machine Learning & Deep learning and their applications in medical field 87(63.5%). Some of them 44(33.6%) believed that AI will be a burden on medical practitioners but majority 107(78.1%) of the students are willing to work on AI. Conclusion: Many students knew much about AI and they had good perception regarding AI functioning in the medical field. They are keen to master the skills of AI and they are looking forward to utilize these tools in their medical studies as well as during healthcare practice.

Revolutionizing Medical Education in Pakistan: Enhancing Junior Faculty Performance with Multisource Feedback Using A Mini-Pat at A Public Sector Medical College of Punjab, Pakistan

Objective: To checking the workplace-based assessment of the junior faculty members (demonstrators) by multisource feedback through a modified form of the mini-pat questionnaire. Study Design: Cross-sectional Study. Place and Duration of the Study: Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala Pakistan, Dec till Dec 2023. Methodology: A validated modified form of Mini pat questionnaire was filled by the staff members regarding feedback of junior faculty members (Demonstrators) after obtaining informed consent from them. A convenient sampling technique was used. For one demonstrator, six different members of the same department gave feedback to the Department of Medical Education (DME). All methods were carried out following relevant guidelines and regulations. Results: A total of 228 questionnaires were filled by 46 assessors. Means ± standard deviations of the scores were calculated. Written/Electronic communication with colleagues was given the lowest mean value of 3.09±0.78 while reliability (trustworthy/devoted/dependable) was given the highest mean value of 3.20±0.69. The association of the means of the responses was also checked with gender by independent sample t-test but none of the responses was found significantly associated with gender. Conclusion: Hence it is concluded that workplace-based assessment of the junior faculty members by multisource feedback is the new form of assessment which shows multiple aspects of assessing a worker which reduces bias.

Histological and Biochemical Alterations Underlying Statin-Associated Pancreatic Toxicity in a Rat Model

ObjectiveTo investigate the histological and biochemical alterations in the pancreas associated with statin-induced toxicity using a rat model. MethodologyA one-year laboratory-based experimental control trial conducted at department of anatomy of a public sector medical college in Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) Rawalpindi. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to the control group and another twenty to the experimental group. For a duration of 12 weeks, the experimental group was given 60 mg/kg/day of simvastatin orally, whereas the control group was given water and a conventional diet. The following characteristics were measured: body weight, pancreatic weight, biochemical parameters (cytokines, enzymes), and histological alterations (congestion, necrosis, fibrosis). Version 23 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program was used to analyze the data. Qualitative variables were expressed as percentages and frequencies. The statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Chi-square analyses contrasted the qualitative factors among the groups. ResultsCompared to controls, the simvastatin group showed significantly increased mean pancreatic weight (p=0.043), congestion (55% vs 0%, p<0.001), higher levels of CRP (p<0.030), IL-6 (p<0.040), and TNF-α (p<0.040). Trends of mild necrosis (25% vs 5%, p=0.182) and interstitial fibrosis (15% vs 0%, p=0.231) were observed but not statistically significant. DiscussionThis work shows that simvastatin significantly affects the pancreatic histomorphology and biochemical parameters in rats. It causes a noticeable amount of necrosis, interstitial fibrosis, and changes the pancreatic biochemical profile. These changes raise the possibility of long-term statin-associated pancreatitis and endocrine/exocrine dysfunction. Using a stable animal model, these new findings offer distinctive insights into the impact of simvastatin on pancreatic morphology. Conclusion Simvastatin profoundly impacts pancreatic histomorphology, warranting further investigation into mechanisms of toxicity and close monitoring of patients for pancreatic adverse effects during statin therapy.

Exploring Undergraduate Medical Students Perspectives on PowerPoint Presentation In Medical Evaluation: A Qualitative Study

PowerPoint lectures are a growing way of improving topic understanding for students. Its use in teaching has increased in every field of education. Objective: To access different perceptions of students towards PowerPoint lectures at public sector medical college. Methods: Phenomenological survey was performed in Physiology Department, Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal. Questionnaire was spoken in front of participants one-by-one and responses were collected in voice notes. These responses were converted into text later. Six undergraduate students of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year each were included in study. Results: Under the Development section the participants said "Yes, PowerPoint teaching helps in better collection of subject matter because it allows one to dive into the excellent presentation of PowerPoint." After that, we discussed the Spectacles part "Yes, PowerPoint teaching increases attention span to the lecture session when it is being made in a versatile pattern." When discussion moved towards Multimedia "Yes the major difference between PowerPoint teaching and traditional board teaching style is that you cannot deliver your expressive thoughts in board teaching styles." When discussion moved towards teaching. One of them said, "Educators can improve the integration of PowerPoint in teaching by using it as a support tool, not a replacement for teaching." Conclusions: Our study concluded that there was difference of opinion among students regarding PowerPoint in terms of its uses and better integration in lectures. Still, further studies are required to find out more beneficial ways of using PowerPoint in educational system.

Objectively Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) in traditional examination system versus integrated modular system: Perception of teaching faculty at a Public Sector Medical College of Punjab.

Objective: To access the perception of teaching faculty regarding traditional OSPE and integrated modular OSPE. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal. Period: February 2024 to March 2024. Methods: To collect data on the perceptions of the teaching faculty (n=29) (who were performing duty as examiners in first year professional examination), towards the newly introduced mode of assessment; integrated modular OSPE (which consists of OSPE, OSVE, PERLs and OSCE stations). Convenient sampling technique was used and a validated questionnaire was distributed through WHATSAPP in as Google form. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 20. Results: According to the teaching faculty, out of which 11(36.7%) were males and 19(63.3%) were females, integrated modular OSPE is relatively lengthy and stressful for the students 25(83.3%), while traditional OSPE is comparatively more transparent, fair, objective 17(56.7%) and in line with the curriculum 19(63.3%). Furthermore, traditional OSPE is comparatively easier to pass 23(76.7%), easier to conduct 21(70%) and also easier for the students 24(80%). According to teaching faculty, traditional OSPE has low probability of bias comparatively 20(66.6%). Conclusion: As per the perception of the selected teaching faculty. Traditional OSPE is comparatively a better mode of assessment.

Exploring the experiences of content experts with item vetting during item bank development.

To explore content experts' experiences with item vetting during item bank development at a public sector medical university of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. An exploratory study was carried out from December 2022 to February 2023 at a public sector medical college of Rawalpindi. A purposive sampling technique was employed to collect data from all content experts of the study institute who participated in item vetting activity during pre-exam moderation in the university. A pilot-tested semi-structured interview guide was utilized, interviews were audio recorded and later transcribed. Participants' anonymity was ensured. Various quality assurance strategies were employed to ensure the trustworthiness of the findings. Thematic analysis was performed on the transcribed data and themes were finalized by achieving consensus among all authors. Six themes overarching the fourteen subthemes emerged from the data. Participants expressed a profound sense of satisfaction and valued their experience in refining expertise in constructing multiple-choice questions (MCQs). It was widely acknowledged that such activities not only contribute to the enhancement of item development skills but also improve quality of items. The consistent implementation of item vetting routines, in conjunction with diligent adherence to item writing protocols, contributes to quality assurance measures in assessment. Item bank development for fair and transparent assessment ensures production of competent healthcare professionals filtering incompetent ones hence improving health care services in the community.

Failure Factors of Medical Students in Private and Public Sector Medical Colleges of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtoonkwa

Failure Factors of Medical Students in Private and Public Sector Medical Colleges of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtoonkwa

Comparison of Pilates and Core Exercises for Flexibility, Endurance and Weight Reduction in Adults

Background: This study explores the factors influencing student satisfaction in public sector medical colleges, emphasizing the impact of various educational aspects on the overall experience of students. Objective: To examine the determinants of student satisfaction in public sector medical colleges, with a focus on infrastructure, quality of instructional materials, and clinical and practical training exposure. Methods: A survey-based primary data collection was utilized, with a sample size of 100 students from public sector medical colleges. The survey included questions targeting different aspects of the educational experience. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation and regression among the variables. Results: The correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between all examined variables and student satisfaction. Infrastructure and facilities emerged as the most influential factors, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.957 (p < 0.001). Student satisfaction with practical training and clinical exposure had a correlation of 0.608 (p < 0.001), and the quality of teaching and learning materials was correlated at 0.475 (p < 0.001). The regression analysis yielded an R-squared value of 0.917, indicating a strong positive correlation between these factors and student satisfaction. Conclusion: The study concludes that while several factors contribute to student satisfaction in public sector medical colleges, infrastructure and facilities, along with quality instructional materials and clinical exposure, are key drivers. Enhancing these areas could lead to a more positive educational experience for students.

Flipped classroom approach for trauma education: Attitudes of participants towards pre-course assignments before the advanced trauma life supports (ATLS) instructor course

A flipped classroom approach in principle, denotes pre-course engagement for an upcoming educational course. Although never used in trauma education, other educational literature is resplendent with the beneficial effects of pre-course engagement on the learning outcomes of the course itself. In this article we share the attitudes and perspectives of prospective Advanced Trauma Life Supports Instructors towards pre-course assignments to see whether this works in the field of trauma education.After an online pre-course session, we administered a validated questionnaire to 100 participants. The questionnaire had 4 categories - the first dealing with participants’ characteristics and the rest with their attitude and perspectives towards the pre-course sessions. The last category included three open ended questions for qualitative analysis to explain the attitudes of the participants.The participants showed a significantly positive attitude (p<0.029) towards this flipped classroom approach. The reasons cited were “effective sensitization”, “adequate feedback”, “peer learning” “user friendly platform” “enjoyable” and “relevance”. A significantly higher level of agreement with the questionnaire statements was seen amongst the private sector doctors as compared to those working in public sector medical colleges (p = 0.004). Same was observed amongst clinical specialists as compared to pre or para clinical specialists (p = 0.001). The Questionnaire had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.86.The study concludes that a flipped classroom approach can work well in trauma education. A tailored approach, depending upon participant characteristics, may be needed to enhance the relevance of a flipped classroom approach.

Bridging Gaps in Teaching and Learning Biochemistry: A Qualitative Study

Objective: To identify the sources of learning gaps in biochemistry teaching and learning and explore new teaching and learning strategies, considering the students' perceptions and felt needs. Study Design: Exploratory qualitative study (Social-constructivist philosophical worldview). Place and Duration of Study: Public Sector Medical College, Pakistan, from Jul 2020 to Jul 2021. Methodology: Students from all five years of medical college were recruited voluntarily after their written consent. Ten focus group discussions were conducted, each consisting of approximately 8 to 12 participants. Each session was recorded and then later transcribed verbatim. Verbatim FGDs were reviewed, and codes were given as the concept became recognizable. A code structure was developed via an inductive approach, and then sub-themes and themes were generated. Results: Ten major themes were generated from the FGDs. These themes were teaching, students’ motivation, clinical irrelevance, educational needs, transition difficulty, attitudes, student support, senior peers, curriculum coherence, and assessment. These themes were further elucidated to explain the causes of the learning gaps and provide suggestions. Conclusion: This study concludes that teaching, students’ motivation, clinical irrelevance, educational needs, difficulty in transition, student attitude, student support, senior peers, curriculum coherence, and assessment are the potential sources of the learning gap to achieve intended learning outcomes of biochemistry for medical students.

The Impact of Emotional Intelligence on the Well-Being of Students from Public Sector Medical College; Mediating Role of Perceived Stress

Healthcare sector play key role for the wellbeing of overall society. This tiring job of providing efficient and effective healthcare services has severe consequences on the health and personal life of healthcare workers. Previously, studies have emphasized on the wellbeing of the healthcare workers, however, students of medical profession were ignored even they go through the burden while learning the theoretical courses and practical exposure in hospitals. The pressure of theoretical classes and rotational trainings in the hospitals causes stress and ultimately influence their wellbeing. Objective: To investigates the relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological well-being (Life satisfaction and Happiness) of the medical students through mediation of perceived stress. Methods: Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 350 MBBS and BSN students of Allama Iqbal Medical College through convenient sampling. Consent of the respondents, privacy and other ethical requirements were fulfilled. Finally, 201 (MBBS; 103, BSN; 98) medical students from Allama Iqbal Medical College responded the questionnaire. SPSS version 21.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: The results revealed that there exists positive and significant relationship between emotional intelligence and medical student’s well-being (Life satisfaction and Happiness). Further, perceived stress significantly mediates the relationship of emotional intelligence and wellbeing. Conclusions: This study results found that emotional intelligence and medical student’s well-being (Life satisfaction and Happiness) have positive and significant association.

In-silico Functional and Structural Annotation of Rheumatoid arthritis linked Gene and Protein

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease marked by chronic inflammation and immune system dysregulation. The Ankyrin repeat domain 55 (ANKRD55) gene, located on chromosome 5q11.2, has been associated with RA susceptibility. Understanding the gene and protein characteristics could illuminate pathways involved in RA and aid in the development of targeted therapies. Objective: To conduct a detailed analysis of the ANKRD55 gene and protein, focusing on its structure, expression profile, functional domains, and polymorphisms, thereby establishing its role in RA and potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: Using bioinformatics tools, we analyzed ANKRD55's genomic localization (NCBI), peptide sequences (Uniprot), physicochemical properties (Protparam Server), signal peptides (SignalP v4.1), transmembrane helices (TMHMM), and glycosylation sites (NetNGlyc 1.0). Polymorphism and methylation patterns were examined using PolyPhen and MethyCancer, respectively. Splice variants were identified, and protein-protein interaction networks were assessed (STRING database). Protein domains were characterized, including the prediction of RhoGAP domains. Structural modeling was conducted to identify potential drug-binding pockets with the DoGSite Scorer server. Results: ANKRD55's expression was predominantly observed in the testis (RPKM 1.8) and to a lesser extent in lymph nodes (0.8), appendix (0.6), and brain (0.2). It encodes a 614-amino-acid protein with a molecular weight of approximately 68.4 kDa and a pI of 6.72. Six splice variants were identified, enriching the understanding of its potential isoform diversity. No significant N-glycosylation sites were predicted, and methylation analysis suggested a nuclear localization without DNA methylation sites. Structural analysis revealed drug-binding pockets with volumes ranging from 233.35 to 5389.58 A^3, with drug scores between 0.78 and 0.82. Conclusion: The study concludes that while several factors contribute to student satisfaction in public sector medical colleges, infrastructure and facilities, along with quality instructional materials and clinical exposure, are key drivers. Enhancing these areas could lead to a more positive educational experience for students.

Investigating the Satisfaction of Students within Public Sector and Private Sector Medical Colleges: An Empirical Evidence from Pakistan

Medical education is a highly regarded career choice among the majority of students in Pakistan. A significant number of students enroll in medical colleges in Pakistan with the aim of serving humanity, obtaining social and financial advantages, and fulfilling their parents' desire to see them become doctors. In that respect the consideration of student satisfaction is important in relation to effectiveness within their performance as well. Objective: To analyze the satisfaction level for the students within the public and private sector medical colleges in Pakistan. Methods: he semi-structured interviews were selected for the current research. The interviews provided the expressive possibility towards collecting efficient data in from of opinions and experiences from 5 medical students enrolled in the public sector medical colleges and 5 medical students from private sector medical colleges in Pakistan. Results: The research highlighted that on the main consideration there were different types of issues which are influencing the satisfaction of students within different considerations and backgrounds from the medical sector. The teacher perception, way of teaching and the aligned developments in relation to better consideration here were related to the specified orientation for the structure of transformative development in relation to the satisfaction of students. Conclusions: On a concluding note, it can be said that the students in private and public medical colleges in Pakistan has satisfaction issues. However, the teacher support and facility have the possibility to enhance satisfaction

Identification of Factors Affecting the Satisfaction of Students with Public Sector Medical Colleges: A Survey Based Study

Background: This study explores the factors influencing student satisfaction in public sector medical colleges, emphasizing the impact of various educational aspects on the overall experience of students. Objective: To examine the determinants of student satisfaction in public sector medical colleges, with a focus on infrastructure, quality of instructional materials, and clinical and practical training exposure. Methods: A survey-based primary data collection was utilized, with a sample size of 100 students from public sector medical colleges. The survey included questions targeting different aspects of the educational experience. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation and regression among the variables. Results: The correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between all examined variables and student satisfaction. Infrastructure and facilities emerged as the most influential factors, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.957 (p < 0.001). Student satisfaction with practical training and clinical exposure had a correlation of 0.608 (p < 0.001), and the quality of teaching and learning materials was correlated at 0.475 (p < 0.001). The regression analysis yielded an R-squared value of 0.917, indicating a strong positive correlation between these factors and student satisfaction. Conclusion: The study concludes that while several factors contribute to student satisfaction in public sector medical colleges, infrastructure and facilities, along with quality instructional materials and clinical exposure, are key drivers. Enhancing these areas could lead to a more positive educational experience for students.

Beyond Anxiety: Unveiling the Power of Self-Efficacy in Shaping Academic Performance among Medical Students

Objective: The study aimed to explore the relationship between anxiety and academic performance and discuss a key boundary condition i.e., self-efficacy as a strategy to manage anxiety in the academic setting. Methodology: A quantitative survey design was used employing a cross-sectional time frame. Public sector medical colleges of Lahore affiliated with the University of Health Sciences (UHS) were selected such as Allama Iqbal Medical College, Ameer-ud-Din (PGMI) Medical College, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, and Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Medical & Dental College. The duration of the study was from June 2021 to January 2022. A convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 259 medical students through self-administered questionnaires. The inclusion criteria applied were that the medical institution needs to be recognized by UHS and should be located in Lahore. Medical students included belonged to second to final year MBBS. First-year students were omitted as they had not taken their professional examinations. Results: Hayes PROCESS Macro analysis in SPSS version 22 showed that social media overload and academic performance were significantly related (B=-0.198, p<0.05). Moreover, a significant moderating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between anxiety and academic performance was found. Conclusion: Results suggested that when medical students faced anxiety their academic performance was decreased however this did not apply to medical students with high self-efficacy. Medical students with low self-efficacy who see themselves as incompetent, lose motivation easily when they try to attempt tough tasks and focus too much on potential failure. Key Words: Anxiety, academic performance, self-efficacy.

Determining the Role of Government and Administration in Influencing Student’s Satisfaction: A Perspective of Teachers from Public and Private Sector Colleges

Background: The quality of education in higher institutions is a crucial factor influencing student satisfaction, with the role of government and administration being particularly significant. In Pakistan, the differing impacts of these factors in public and private sector colleges raise important questions regarding their effectiveness in enhancing student satisfaction. Objective: This study aims to analyze the role of government and administration in developing student satisfaction in private and public sector medical colleges in Pakistan, providing insights into the dynamics between government policies, administrative practices, and student satisfaction. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with five teachers from both private (n=3) and public (n=2) sector medical colleges in Pakistan. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data, focusing on the relationship between government and administration roles and student satisfaction. Results: The findings reveal a complex relationship between government initiatives, administrative efficiency, and student satisfaction. In public colleges, the lack of efficient administrative follow-up hinders the effective implementation of government policies, adversely affecting student satisfaction. In contrast, private colleges demonstrate a more effective alignment between government policies and administrative execution, leading to enhanced student satisfaction. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for improved administrative practices in public colleges to effectively translate government policies into positive student experiences. It underscores the importance of a synergistic approach where government initiatives and administrative efficiency work hand in hand to enhance student satisfaction in both public and private sector colleges.

Relationship between attention deficit hyperactive disorders with life satisfaction among medical students in city of Hail, KSA.

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) begins in childhood, and its symptoms persist into adulthood. Students with ADHD symptoms will be at increased risk of antisocial behavior, depression, and loss of inhibition. This study determines the relationship between ADHD and life satisfaction level among medical students in the city of Hail, KSA. This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in a public-sector medical college. A total of 200 students were recruited through stratified cluster sampling. Validated, structured scales of ADHD and life satisfaction were used, and known psychiatric disorders among students were excluded from the study. Correlation and linear regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between ADHD and life satisfaction and identify the determinants of ADHD. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence rate of ADHD among medical students was 33.3%. Female gender, third-year academic year student, and 21-26-year-old age group were the high-risk groups of ADHD. Inattention (r = -0.263, P value -0.000) and hyperactivity (r = -0.260, P value 0.000) were significantly correlated with life satisfaction level, with 92% of the variability in life satisfaction determined by inattention and hyperactivity. The burden of ADHD is high among medical students, and it negatively correlates with life satisfaction level. Students' academic and social functioning was affected due to ADHD. There is a need to address this issue with early diagnosis and management of this disorder.

Assessment of Barriers to Knowledge Sharing Among Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Knowledge sharing is a process by which information is exchanged between peers, colleagues, or, at a higher level, between institutions and organizations. This study aimed to assess the barriers to knowledge sharing among medical students at private and public-sector medical colleges in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology An online questionnaire was used to collect data from four medical colleges. Students were selected by non-probability convenience sampling. The English-language questionnaire included 12 questions related to knowledge sharing based on a Likert scale of one to five, with one denoting strongly disagreeing and five strongly agreeing. Out of the 520 questionnaires, 497 (96%) were received and analyzed using SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results A total of 497 respondents completed our questionnaire. Most were males (67.8%). Our results revealed that statements such as "afraid to provide the wrong information," "people only share with those who share with them," and "too busy/lack of time" were the most perceived barriers to knowledge sharing (mean = 3.95, 3.61, and 3.60, respectively). Furthermore, female opinions on statements such as "lack of relationship," "afraid to provide the wrong information," "do not know what to share," and "shyness to provide own opinions" were more dominant than male opinions. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p-values = 0.007, 0.020, 0.002, and 0.009, respectively). Conclusions Our study indicated that barriers such as "afraid to provide the wrong information" and "people only share with those who share with them" are important barriers that hinder the process of knowledge sharing. Moreover, most students agreed that "too busy/lack of time" and "lack of relationship" are barriers to knowledge sharing. In addition, statements such as "lack of relationship," "afraid to provide the wrong information," "do not know what to share," and "shyness to provide own opinions" were acknowledged as barriers by female students more than male students. There is a need in the curriculum to structure various types of activities that inspire and promote knowledge exchange among students. Further research is needed to validate our findings.

Impact of social media on the academic performance of second-year medical students at a public sector medical college in Pakistan

Background and aim: The students are using a lot of social media in recent times which was not the case in old times. The excessive use of social media may have an impact on the annual academic performance of the students. We studied the impact of social media on academic performance. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among second-year medical students at a public sector medical college in Pakistan from 5th June 2022 till 5th July 2022. Informed consent was taken, and a validated questionnaire was designed to collect data and was hosted in Google Forms to allow students to fill out the questionnaire. Results: The Mean ± SD of the marks secured by the students in anatomy was 135±14.5, the average cumulative marks of students in physiology were 142±12.3, in biochemistry, the average cumulative marks were 154±13.1 and the mean of the total marks secured by the students in their first Professional examination was 431±33.4. Regarding grade distribution, in anatomy the median of the grades was 2.5±1.0, in physiology, the cumulative grade of students was 3.0±1.0, the cumulative grade of students in Biochemistry was 3.5±0.7. The combined grades of students for all the subjects were 3.0±1.0.

CLINICAL TEACHERS AS ROLE MODELS: PERCEPTION OF UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN MEDICAL COLLEGES OF PAKISTAN USING ROLE MODEL APPERCEPTION TOOL

Objective: This study aimed to determine medical students’ perceptions of their clinical teachers as role models during the clinical years of a medical program. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a pre-validated questionnaire, Role Modeling Apperception Tool was used and completed by Final year medical students selected from affiliated medical institutions of Khyber Medical University, Peshawar i.e. four graduating cohorts, comprising about 600 students. Participants were selected following universal sampling and data was analyzed for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The response rate to Role Modeling Apperception Tool was 75.1% n=451. The total number of students participating in this study from Private sector medical colleges was 157 34.8% and Public Government was 294 65.2%. The mean age of the students was 23.71 years SD=0.77, Range=22-26. Male respondents comprised 42.4% n=191 and females were n=260 57.6% of the study sample. Altogether, 92.9% of students experienced positive role models while 72% had negative role models among academic staff in their medical colleges. Mostly, medical students perceived male clinical teachers as their role models in comparison to their female counterparts. Moreover, clinical teachers were more considered positive role models than basic sciences teachers. Private-sector medical college students rated their clinical teachers higher among all domains Clinical, Personal, and Teaching in comparison to Public sector medical college students. A strong positive correlation was noted among domains tested on Role Modeling Apperception Tool. Conclusion: Clinical instructors are inveterately considered by students as their role models in medical colleges and significance are conferred on their position. Altogether, doctors with teaching roles must be cognizant of their responsibilities and their influence on the professional growth and performance of students. Eventually, components related to Personal, Clinical, and Teaching attributes were suggested as major traits perceived in role models. Keywords: Clinical Teacher, Role model, Medical Student, Medical College