Abstract :
Background: Orientation of first year medical students to their new environment is essential before
initiation of academic sessions. The MCI has recommended a one month long Foundation course as part of
the new Competency Based medical Education curriculum for the same in the Graduate medical regulations
2019 to be implemented in all medical colleges from 2019. The new medical curriculum was implemented
in out institution from August 1st 2019 and a one month long foundation course was conducted for the first
year students. This study was done to analyse the perceptions of the students to the new foundation course.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted involving first year medical students attending the
foundation course in our institution. Data collected by a semi structured questionnaire which the students
were asked to complete at the end of each session taken. Data was analysed both quantitatively and
qualitatively. Qualitative data collected through open ended questionnaires were coded into themes.
Results: 207 students participated in the study. Most of the students perceived that the foundation course
has helped them familiarise with the institution, faculty and students. The skills module and the Community
orientation module was perceived by the students as most interesting and helpful for their future academics.
Conclusion: The Foundation course was perceived as helpful by the students in orienting them to the basics
of the profession for the future.
Keyword :
Foundation course, Orientation program, Medical education.