Medical Students and Promotions During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Navigating the Uncertainty

Back after a long wait due to the ongoing pandemic, the Medical Council of India (MCI) Board of Governors has released guidelines on the promotion of medical students. However, these guidelines are met with dissatisfaction as they fail to address several critical points leaving many questions unanswered. This article delves into the key aspects of these guidelines and highlights the need for additional clarity and support during these unprecedented times.

Introduction to the Guidelines

The MCI guidelines clearly state that no batch of medical students should be promoted to the next academic year without undergoing the required examinations. This directive, underlined in red, highlights the importance of maintaining academic standards and ensuring that each academic year is completed with a thorough assessment of the students' knowledge and skills.

Points Unaddressed in the Guidelines

Despite the clear and unambiguous directive, several important issues and confusions arise from the current guidelines. These include:

1. Study Sufferance

Medical students have been unable to access their study materials during the lockdown, predominantly engaging in online classes. Due to this discrepancy between in-person and online learning, many students have found their study schedules and progress disrupted. Consequently, a relaxation in the format of the examination or extensions for the completion of their practical and theoretical portions could be beneficial.

2. Curriculum and Prof Duration

As the pandemic substantially delays the opening of colleges, the prolongation of professional (prof) duration is inevitable. For instance, Prof. 1st year students are scheduled to complete their courses by mid-September, but with delays in opening, there are potential implications on Prof. 2nd year and beyond. This poses significant challenges for future academic progress and career planning.

3. Practical and Posting Concerns

The guidelines fail to provide suitable advice on practical postings and rotations for medical students. Due to the direct exposure to potential infections during these periods, safety measures and protocols need to be clearly outlined to ensure the well-being of all students.

4. Delayed Examinations and Practical Sessions

The revised curriculum recommends a 2nd year professional (Prof. 2) duration of 11 months, starting from October. Unfortunately, the situation is muddied further since first-year exams are yet to be conducted, potentially leading to delays in the start of the 2nd year courses. Moreover, final-year students are eagerly awaiting the start of their internships, which are contingent on the successful completion of their exams.

Alternative Measures by Individual Institutions

While the MCI guidelines are in place, some medical institutions have taken proactive measures. For example, JIPMER, Puducherry, and Karaikal have issued notices for conducting online exams for the first-year MBBS students.

Official Advisory from the MCI Board of Governors

In an advisory issued on August 4, 2020, the MCI Board of Governors reiterated that no batch of MBBS students may proceed to the next academic level without a formal examination. The examination must be conducted in a traditional pen and paper mode. As per the advisory, medical colleges will only be allowed to reopen with explicit permission from the Central, State, or Union Territory governments.

Reopening and Exam Schedules:

The colleges aim to complete the first-year MBBS course including Practical/Lab/Demonstrations within 2 months after reopening. Examinations for the first-year MBBS students are to be conducted within one month after completing the syllabus. Similar implementations will be expected for second-year, part 1, and final-year MBBS students. The professional (Prof) exam may be held roughly in November or December if colleges reopen by September. The AIIMS Kalyani, which had initially planned to conduct the 1st year Prof exam on September 1st, also postponed the event following the MCI's guidelines.

Conclusion

The guidelines from the MCI Board of Governors provide a clear framework, but substantial uncertainties and adjustments will still be required to fulfill them. Enhanced clarity and support from all stakeholders, including medical institutions, governmental bodies, and educational authorities, are essential to ensure that the academic journey of medical students remains on track amid the ongoing pandemic.

It is imperative that further discussions and guidelines address the practical concerns and provide the necessary support to help medical students navigate these challenging times successfully.