UDS trains first batch of problem-base learning doctors

First batch of Problem Base Learning (PBL) doctor trainees has successfully completed their programme at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University for Development Studies (SMHS-UDS).

The PBL is a new approach of training introduced by the university where students were taught based on real life health conditions of patients.

Dr Akis Afoko, Clinical PBL Specialist at the SMHS-UDS speaking in an interview with the GNA on Monday explained that the new approach, which was the first of its kind in the country enabled doctor-trainees to learn through case study on a volunteer patient with a medical condition on the subject understudy.

“For instance, a trainee is guided to diagnose a volunteer patient with malaria condition practically, taking into consideration the nature and symptoms of malaria before the student learns the theoretical aspect of malaria”, he said.

Dr Afoko said as part of the requirements of the PBL students adopted a community where they lived and worked during vacations and that majority of them had expressed their readiness to fully stay and work there.

“This batch of about 78 is the first to be taught through this approach and they have performed very well. About 26 students had credit in surgery and this in the medical field is like a national record,” He said.

Dr Afoko said the yet to be inducted doctors would help address one of the major challenges of inadequate doctors in the region especially in the rural communities.

Source: GNA