Reflections: Evolution of PBL in the International Medical University

This paper traces the evolution of PBL in the International Medical University over a period of twenty years; since its inception in 1992 till 2012. It is a record of the reasons for the evolution, the people involved and the strategies adopted. The PBL in IMU has metamorphosed over the years from a paper-based complete case history into its present form of staggered release of information, paper-based or otherwise (videos, web-based, newspaper cuttings, debates). Strategies to improve student and facilitator buy-in, strengthening of facilitator training, adoption of PBL templates, innovations to improve student participation are discussed.

Study Habits and class performance of second M.B.,B.S. Students

This study was conducted on Second M.B.B.S students (11/92 batch) of IM (1), to fulfill three objectives viz. to get students feedback on the course; to give the students an opportunity to evaluate the staff and our Department's performance and to relate study habits to class performance. Results to the first two objectives have already been reported else where (MEU Newsletter, IM (1), August, 1993), so this paper focuses on the last objective. Questionnaires were given to 220 students, of whom 98 responded. Students' achievement was assessed taking into consideration the number of distinctions gained in the Matric and First M.B.B.S class; number of times they made it to the Departmental Top-Ten list; and the number of tests passed in the three disciplines. Aspects of study habits interrogated include reading of text books; making notes; revising at weekends; number of hours of study; answering old questions. We found that there is much room for improvement in the study habits of our students.

Renal function, plasma sodium and osmolality during the menstrual cycle

In order to assess whether hormonal changes occurring during the menstrual cycle affect function, glomerular filtration rate (C cr), and proximal tubular reabsorption of sodium and water (lithium clearance; C li) were assessed in 9 healthy women in 2 phases of the menstrual cycle. Plasmar sodium and osmolality were also measured. Each subject was studied three time ("basal", "proliferative" and "luteal" phases), point on her customary sodium intake, and in a controlled (sitting) posture. There were no significance differences between the phases with respect to any of the renal variables studied. There was a significantly lower plasma sodium in the luteal phase, and a trend towards lower plasma osmolality.

Renal lithium clearance in essential hypertension

There is considerable interest in whether a defect in renal sodium handling is important in the development of essential hypertension. A recent report indicated that the proximal tubule might be involved, since fractional lithium clearance, a measure of the fraction of filtered sodium reaching the end of the proximal tubale, was reduced in hypertentive patients. However, ther were a number of objectionable points in that paper. In the present study, we measured clearances of creatinine (C cr), lithium, (C li) and sodium (C na) in 21 hypertensive patients and 21 controls matched for age, sex and ethnic background. Clearances were measured over a 4-h period during which the subject were seated. The result provide no evidence for altered proximal tubular sodium handling in essential hypertension under the conditions of the study.