ABSTRACT
In Nigeria, the medical education system faces challenges ranging from inadequate infrastructure to a lack of qualified personnel. These challenges not only affect the competency of graduating medical students but also lead to disruptions in academic calendars. The role of the Medical and Dental Consultants' Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) in addressing these issues is crucial. This review examines the impact of MDCAN in enhancing the competency of graduating medical students and preventing disruptions in academic calendars in Nigeria. It discusses the importance of maintaining academic continuity and explores the reasons why disruptions in academic calendars are not viable options for pressuring the government to improve doctors' and lecturers' welfare packages. Through an analysis of relevant literature, this review underscores the significance of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the quality of medical education and the smooth functioning of academic institutions in Nigeria. Ultimately, this paper proffers some solutions to mitigate the negative effects of strikes and improve the quality of undergraduate medical education.
ABSTRACT
Healthcare started as a one-man business where only the doctor received, reviewed, diagnosed, prescribed, dispensed the treatment, and nursed the patient. There was no regulation, and hence society relied solely on the doctor's morals for appropriate treatment, professional handling of patients, and confidentiality. The doctor was highly regarded in society and was close to royalty. The perceived benefits and lack of external regulation bred charlatans and eroded society's confidence stimulating the development of the Hippocratic Oath. The Hippocratic Oath has progressively evolved in tandem with developments in society to what it is today. From the Hippocratic Oath, medical ethics sprung and evolved. We review several oaths that abound in medical practice and their evolution over the years to what we have today as the Physician's Pledge. We reviewed several articles published in English within ten years based on specified search terms for conformity. The selected articles were screened for relevance to the research topic, and necessary data were extracted. The Oath, though controversial in origin, evolved from a one-liner "primus non nocere" to what it is today, having started as a document heavily influenced by religion to become completely secular. It also transitioned from relying on the physician's morality for compliance to becoming externally enforceable. The transformations of the Oath and Ethics, which could be seen as the compartmentalization of the Oath based on this study, resulted from landmark events in society and changes in religious ideologies and societal morals. The existence of many forms of the Oath was also established. Some of the Oaths were also adapted to suit the morals and beliefs of the areas used. In conclusion, concluded that the "One Oath for All" era is over. We propose an Oath or Pledge that will suit our society to avoid going counter to our laws.
ABSTRACT
Background: Topical corticosteroids have had an immense impact in the treatment of skin diseases since their advent and are important in the management of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Triple action creams (TAC) on the other hand are a combination of antibiotics, antifungals and corticosteroids in one cream, in an unspecific bid to target infected dermatoses. The use of TAC has constituted a source of corticosteroid misuse and abuse. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and prescription practices of TACs among doctors in South-Eastern Nigeria. Methodology: A section of doctors in the five South Eastern states of Nigeria participated in this study. Data was collected using printed or e-copies of pre-tested questionnaires. Information about sociodemographic, steroid classification, the role of TAC, steroid side effects, duration of prescription of TAC, were sought. Statistical analysis was carried out using the statistical package for social sciences version 20. Good knowledge of TAC was set at >65% and poor knowledge <65%. Results: Two hundred and six doctors participated, 59.2% (122) males and 40.8% (84) females. Respondents were distributed as follows: Enugu 28.2% (58), Abia 25.2% (52) Imo 18.4 % (38), Ebonyi 17.5% (36), and Anambra 10.7 % (22). One hundred and seventy-eight (86.4%) work in a tertiary facility while 13.6 % (28) work in primary/secondary facilities. About forty-eight per cent (99) had good knowledge while 51.9 % (107) had poor knowledge. Twenty-five per cent (52) knew that TAC is not useful in managing skin disorders while 66% (136) prescribed TAC as first-line therapy. Conclusion: This study has helped uncover the magnitude of poor knowledge and prescription practice of TAC amongst doctors. To curb topical steroid misuse in a given population, doctors should be re-trained.
