ROLE OF CLINICAL CLERKSHIP FOR UNDERGRADUATES (MBBS) IN CHOOSING FUTURE SPECIALITY
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Keywords
Clinical Clerkship, speciality, undergraduate.
Abstract
Introduction: Clinical clerkship (Electives) is a period of course during which the medical undergraduates are exposed to different speciality (Wards). The main task of these electives is to orient the graduates’ interest towards clinical practices, and enable them to apply their medical knowledge practically. It also aids them in determining their choices regarding each speciality.
Objectives: To determine, the importance of attending clinical clerkship (at undergraduate level) in molding their choice for a specific speciality in future.
Method: The cross-sectional study, performed by 3rd year students of Jinnah Medical College Peshawar, from 15 May, 2025 till 1 September, 2025. A 23 item-based questionnaire was generated, with 1st three questions, related to demographics and rest 20 question based on topic. The study includes 3rd year, 4th year, final year students. Total 402 responses were collected; the total positive score was calculated. SPSS 27 was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Out of 410 responses obtained, 402 were completely filled with 8 incomplete responses, and were discarded. The responses compromise 49% (197) male and 51% (205) female students. Yearly class wise % responses mention below. The total of positive response was predicted from 20 question and later confirm by analysis through SPSS. 84.3% (339) response were in favor of clerkship, considered it as benchmark, which aid them in choosing speciality in future. Total positive score was 76.6% (308) clearly dominating the negative response of 23.4% (94). The reason and analysis mention in article.
Conclusion: A dominant positive score was calculated and hence proved the vital role played by clerkship; the extra hours of clinical rounds seemed to be of great importance for MBBS students in orienting themselves towards a specific speciality.
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Farooq Khan
Professor, Department of Anatomy, Jinnah Medical College Peshawar, Pakistan
Bibi Hifsa
4th Year MBBS Student, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Fariha Nawab
4th Year MBBS Student, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Iqra Umar
4th Year MBBS Student, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Hifsa Ali
4th Year MBBS Student, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
Aqib Amir
4th Year MBBS Student, Jinnah Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan
