Issues and challenges in bringing reform in UGME

Background: Over the last few years medical schools and health care delivery centers in developing countries facing with the variety of challenges from patients, society doctors and students. In response to this reforming in undergraduate medical curricula took place. The objective of this paper is to identify the factors (issues& challenges) which can influence the successful implementation of reformed curriculum. Summary of work: As an ongoing activity of program evaluation at the end of first & second year in 2010, Focus Group Discussions & feedback questionnaire (on 5 point Likert scale) comprises of 19 items, duly filled by the teaching faculty, module developers & coordinators, students and medical educationist. Summary of results: Feedback of faculty & medical educationist identify the 11 issues/factors and challenges. On analysis of quantitative data, 85% of student’s favors the integrated system of study, better learning through SGD/PBL as compares to lectures. On analysis of qualitative research, students supports that PBL facilitates & promotes the acquisition of soft skills and generic competencies. Conclusions and Take-home messages: Curriculum reforming needs careful attention in its planning before its implementation to make its successful. The factors (issues& challenges) which can influence its successful implementation are; all stake holders (BODs, BOGs, Dean, department heads, faculty and students) must be involved in its planning and they should own it and train (faculty development) in its usage and implementation