European journal of molecular biology and biochemistry

EVALUATING PHYSICIAN PERSPECTIVES ON BIOCHEMISTRY AND GENETICS: IMPLICATIONS FOR CURRICULUM REFORM AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

Damodharan Jothieswari1*, Radha R

Physicians’ Attitude, Biochemistry,Genetics,Integrated Medical Curriculum, Clinical Practice Correlation.

A number of studies have pointed out that many physicians hold a negative view of biochemistry and genetics. Many medical schools now follow a system-based curriculum that is enriched by connections to clinical practice. Even though this strategy is embraced across medical education, there aren’t many studies measuring doctors’ views on biochemistry and genetics. This study set out to judge physicians’ attitudes about biochemistry and genetics, along with how their education in these topics matches what they see in practice. A group of randomly chosen 616 physicians located in both private and public settings was tested using a structured survey containing 40 different statements. The participants had earned medical degrees, locally or abroad and consisted of interns, residents and experts. More than half of students accepted that both biochemistry and genetics are hard topics and placed them among the subjects they preferred the least (59.1%). At the same time, more than half of the sample were comfortable with recent discoveries in biochemistry and genetics and recognized their application in the clinic (64.0%). A large number of participants thought that adding biochemistry and genetics to clinical courses would encourage students to try harder (74%). It was shown through univariate analysis that residents knew more and held more positive views than others about biochemical changes in diseases and new advances in biochemistry and genetics (P < 0.05). Increased years of work experience or being part of the private sector boosted the positivity of physicians about these medical specialties (P < 0.05). Physicians had a positive attitude about biochemistry and genetics. People who are residents, who have been in the field for more than five years and who work in private healthcare are especially likely to feel this way