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.
Key words: Integrated teaching, vertical integration, pathology.
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