Abstract
Objective: To determine the perception of students
about vertical integration of subject of pathology in
first two years of MBBS program at Shifa College of
Medicine, Islamabad.
Methodology: A mixed method study was conducted
at Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad, from October
and November 2019. Students of first, second and
third year MBBS were requested to respond to
structured questionnaires based on a 3-point Likert
scale regarding vertical integration of pathology in the
curriculum. Focus group discussions were conducted
with 32 students from the three classes to ascertain
their perceptions regarding the integration.
Results: A total of 260 students from first three years
of MBBS responded to the questionnaire. We found
that 156 (60%) students felt that vertical integration of
pathology helped them in achieving the course
objectives, while 180 (69.5%) said it gave conceptual
understanding of the core subjects. Majority of them
(64.6%) found it to be a more interesting way of
learning. However, 105 (40.4%) felt it adds burden to
their course work. Nearly half (43.6%) were not in
favor of assessing pathology in the first two years,
while 57.3% wanted the vertical integration to
continue.
Conclusion: Students had a positive attitude towards
vertical integration of pathology in first two years of
MBBS, which they felt helped them in building
concepts.
Keywords: Integrated teaching, vertical integration,
pathology
