Abstract

Consultants� feedback on medical graduates� performance: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia experience

Author(s): Dr Abdus Salam,Professor Nabishah Mohamad,Dr Nasri Mohd Awang Besar,Professor Zainul Rashid Mohd Razi,Professor Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah,Dr Abdus Salam

Background: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) is the second largest public university in Malaysia producing medical graduates. Being a competent and safe doctor requires more than scientific knowledge and clinical skills. The objective of this paper is to identify the overall perceptions of various Malaysian Ministry of Health consultants on UKMMC graduates’ performance.

Methods: This cross sectional study focused on consultants’ feedback regarding UKMMC graduates’ performance who had received ‘houseman training’ under the consultant’s supervision for 2 years prior, at different hospitals within Malaysia. 110 consultants participated. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected by questionnaire with particular focus on graduates’ medical knowledge, clerking skills, English language proficiency, communication skills and working attitudes.

Results: A total of 915 UKMMC graduates were supervised by 110 consultants. Performance domains which were rated included medical knowledge, clerking skills, English language proficiency, communication skills and working attitudes. Open comments were generally positive, but also gave critical analysis.

Conclusion: Overall performance of UKMMC graduates is positive thereby providing a platform for training of competent doctors giving quality patient care. Diverse educational curricula are pivotal for the acquisition of essential competencies and clinical skills. All medical schools should have a standardised framework for evaluation of graduates, to help the continual development and promotion of a high class education and continued professional development. Practice does indeed make perfect, and with the right educational balance, confidence in the student reaches the level required of a safe and competent doctor.