Orientation program to MBBS course at a missionary run medical college in Kerala: analysis of students’ feedback

Abstract

Background: Orientation programs help medical students to tide over many difficulties faced during their transition to a new study environment. Therefore, it is important that it be conducted well covering all essential aspects.Methods: The present study assesses the feedback of a three-day orientation program given to 100 students who attained admission to MBBS in 2016.The program was organized and conducted by the management and the Medical Education unit. The sessions included lectures, small group assignments, observations and group activities. A semi structured Questionnaire was used to gather the feedback.Results: All of the 100 students (67 female and 33 male students. Median age19 years.) attended. Considering the overall rating of the orientation programme, 40% opined it to be excellent, 50% very good, 7% good and 3 % satisfactory.Conclusions: Through this orientation program, the students were able to understand that leadership quality, team work and good communication skills are needed to be an efficient doctor. Physical work and shadowing of the patients were two innovative and well appreciated sessions. It is evident through the feedback of the students that such orientation programmes are beneficial to them.