Innovations in Strengthening Medical Education in India

ABSTRACT

There is a disconnect between the objectives of medical education in the country and the actual training being imparted. The present system of discipline based MBBS Curriculum has many inherent disadvantages eg. Compartmentalized teaching, poor development of problem solving skills, failure to generate interest in students and acquisition of dissociated knowledge are few of them. The SPICES model of medical education ie. (Student centered, Problem based, Integrated, Community oriented, Elective enabling and Systematic exposure) may be better suited to our country. Assessment system and examination system need a very drastic change based on the needs of the Community and the stakeholders in the healthcare section. Internship programme needs to be totally revamped. The acquisition of practical skills using newer medical education technology like DOPS (Directly Observed Practical Skills), one minute preceptor and other newer methods needs to be incorporated. In our study on “DOPS” interns we found the usefulness of this methodology (FAIMER study - Chhina RS).The use of technology has revolutionized the world eg. in Space technology, Computer Sciences, Social marketing Strategies. There is an urgent need to incorporate the “MOOC” model and the Social media eg. Facebook, Twitter, We chat, Whatsapp for better coverage and more useful teaching modules. In our study, we found “Facebook” teaching to be an important component of improving the teaching methodology and acquisition of knowledge by students (FAIMER study- Sharma Anu & Chhina RS). The “Feedback” technique for improvement in the needs of student knowledge base, their aspirations, what they thought is appropriate in teaching skills and methodology was studied and powerful conclusions have been drawn in our institution. (FAIMER study-Singh Daljit). The postgraduate training seats needs to be modified as the disease burden load in the country requires. A study done by us showed a total disconnect between the need and the available resources in the State of Punjab. The requirements of the Community, Medical students, Healthcare providers and patients need to be advanced in an objectively scientific, need oriented manner in relation to medical education in India.

Keywords

Medical Education - DOPS (Directly Observed Procedural Skills) - MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) - FAIMER (Fellowship, Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education & Research)

DR. K.L. WIG ORATION delivered during NAMSCON 2015 at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 May 2020

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