Exploring First-Year MBBS Student's Perception on the Orientation Program and Foundation Course at the Start of Their Studies

Background: The transition from school to medical college can be challenging for first-year MBBS students. A welldesigned orientation program and Foundation Course (FC) play a vital role in helping students adapt to the demands of medical education. Aim And Objectives: This study aims to explore the perceptions of first-year MBBS students regarding the orientation program and Foundation Course conducted under the 2024 Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum. Objectives include assessing student views on the content and structure, and identifying perceived strengths and areas for improvement. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among first-year MBBS students at Government Medical College, Akola, during the 2024 academic year. Out of 182 students invited, 152 responded (response rate: 85%). Feedback was collected using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: The orientation and personal development modules received the highest average mean score of 4.48, indicating strong satisfaction. Modules covering computer skills, language, learning strategies, and extracurricular activities scored slightly lower, with a mean of 4.3. Conclusion: The study highlights the overall effectiveness of the orientation and FC in supporting students' transition into medical education. While student satisfaction was generally high, targeted improvements in certain modules could enhance the overall impact.