Evaluation of the Educational Impact of the Foundation Course for MBBS Undergraduate Entrants in a Medical College in Uttarakhand, India

Introduction: A new entrant to medical school is fresh from school and entering a different world of professional college. Students are often ill-prepared for the changes and challenges that lie ahead. The National Medical Commission (NMC) foundation course is purposively designed to include various relevant issues that are important to lay a solid foundation for budding professionals. All aspects necessary to cultivate the character of an academic medical graduate and prepare students for the expected challenges have been included in the course material. This study aimed to evaluate the educational impact of the foundation course on MBBS students. Methods: This study was conducted on 150 students in a medical college in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The programme evaluation was done with structured feedback from the students, with the faculty engaged in the delivery, focusing on the educational impact on the students. Results: Modules where students responded positively that had an educational impact were the role of doctor in society, Indian Medical Graduate (IMG) roles and goals, Basic Life Support (BLS), first aid, universal precautions, and biomedical waste management. Most students agreed strongly that the module on the role of doctors in society and professionalism and ethics had the most educational impact and motivated them the most. Conclusion: The foundation course was perceived as a welcome addition to the MBBS program and has covered many important areas which have a definite educational impact on the students.