Students’ view points on the educational problems in medical school of Kermanshah University of Medcial Sciences (2007)

Background: There is no doubt that improving quality in medical education is based on analysis of the current situation. Medical students are considered one of the best resources whose viewpoints on the educational shortcomings can provide valuable information on where there is still work to be done. This study presents the students perspective on the eeducational problems in Medical School of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2007.

Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study included 24 medical students who were at different stages of medical training. Group discussions were held and students were interviewed over several sessions. All the sessions were tape recorded and transcribed by the 3 assistants. Information was then categorized in terms of three areas of basic sciences, traineeship and internship.

Results: The most important problems were cited under the categories of educational objectives, planning, management, ethics and evaluation by the students. Among subcategories, offering specialty and subspecialty materials, the gap between basic sciences and traineeship, lack of motivation and lack of supervision on education were rated as the most important factors causing concern among the students.

Conclusion: The results of the study have revealed a series of problems that require measures at the national level including the shortage of high – quality academic staff. However, most issues can be addressed through careful planning on the part of university officials and academic staffs.