Learning style preferences of preclinical medical students in Oman

Our study sought to assess the learning preferences of students studying in the preclinical years of the medical degree program at Oman Medical College, Sohar. In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, we administered a learning style questionnaire [VARK model] to 140 students to assess their preferred mode of learning, specifically the sensory modality by which they prefer to take in information. Over one third [35%] of the respondents expressed their preference for a single mode of learning, either visual [8%], auditory [9%], read/write [9%], or kinesthetic [9%]. The remaining students preferred learning using a combination of either two [14%], three [19%], or four [32%] sensory modalities. The results of our study provide us with useful information to develop appropriate learning approaches to reach all types of learners at the college

Defining a mutational panel and predicting the prevalence of cystic fibrosis in Oman

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator [CFTR] mutations form distinct mutational panels in different populations and subgroups. The frequency of cystic fibrosis [CF] mutations and prevalence are unknown in Oman. This study aimed to elucidate the mutational panel and prevalence of CF for the North Al Batinah [NAB] region in Oman and to estimate the national prevalence of CF based on the carrier screening of unrelated volunteers. The study included retrospective and prospective analysies of CF cases in the NAB region for 1998-2012. Genetic analysis of disease-causing mutations was conducted by screening of the entire coding sequence and exon-intron borders. The obtained mutational panel was used for the carrier screening of 408 alleles of unrelated and unaffected Omani individuals. S549R and F508del were the major mutations, accounting for 89% of mutations in the patient population. Two private mutations, c.1733-1734delTA and c.1175T>G, were identified in the patient cohort. Two carriers, one for F508del and another for S549R, were identified by screening of the volunteer cohort, resulting in a predicted prevalence for Oman of 1 in 8,264. The estimated carrier frequency of CF in Oman was 1 in 94. The carrier frequency in the NAB region was 3.9 times higher. The mutational panel for the NAB region and the high proportion of S549R mutations emphasises the need for specific screening for CF in Oman. The different distribution of allele frequencies suggests a spatial clustering of CF in the NAB region

Laparoscopic surgery recording as an adjunct to conventional modalities of teaching gross anatomy

In order to increase their effectiveness, methods of teaching morphological sciences need to be revised to incorporate the recent technological advances made in the field of medicine. Teaching human structure with conventional methods of prosections using dissected cadaveric specimen alone quite often fails to prepare students adequately for their clinical training. A learner-oriented method, incorporating three dimensional spatial anatomy and more closely mirroring the clinical setting, is required. With these challenges in mind, a 30-minute slow-paced video recording of a cholecystectomy performed laproscopically on a 45 year-old lady was adapted to supplement the conventional teaching of anatomy of the abdomen and pelvis. This study was carried out in October 2010. The subjects of this study were 84 students in a first year preclinical MD course in human structure at the private Oman Medical College. Their feedback was obtained via questionnaire and revealed that the video presentation helped the students to realise the significance of the anatomical details learnt during the human structure course. Recordings of laparoscopic surgeries are an effective preclinical anatomy teaching resource in student-centred learning. They also help the students to appreciate the clinical relevance of gross anatomy and enhance their motivation to learn