Experiences and perceptions of former medical students on the neurology curriculum: A reminiscing focus group discussion / The Health Sciences Journal

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this focus group discussion was to explore the experiences and perceptionsof former medical students with the undergraduate neurology curriculum.METHODS: Perceptual patterns were derived from transcriptions of the discussion of the participants in afocus group discussion involving faculty, residents and postgraduate interns. Data were analyzed usinglatent content analysis and constant comparison techniques.RESULTS: Shared experiences in clinical clerkship were mostly negative. The difficult initial patient encounterswere suggested to be minimized through hierarchal modeling, modification of the subject contents andearly clinical exposures. An environment created to be conducive to learning and neuroscience subjectssuited for the primary physician will equip the medical graduates better. The perceived pressures forcedthe participants to find ways to cope. Neuroanatomy helped much in the clinics. The group suggestedmore clinical correlates and the use of drawings to aid the graduates attain the competency in neurologyfor a primary physician.CONCLUSION: The participants' experiences were largely negative and were brought about by a varied formof pressures. Contributing factors were identified and suggestions to improve learning and retentionwere given.