ObjectivesTo examine the predictive validity of pre-admission variables on students’ performance in a medical school in Saudi Arabia. MethodsIn this retrospective study, we collected admission and college performance data for 737 students in preclinical and clinical years. Data included high school scores and other standardized test scores, such as those of the National Achievement Test and the General Aptitude Test. Additionally, we included the scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams. Those datasets were then compared with college performance indicators, namely the cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) and progress test, using multivariate linear regression analysis.ResultsIn preclinical years, both the National Achievement Test (p=0.04, B=0.08) and TOEFL (p=0.017, B=0.01) scores were positive predictors of cGPA, whereas the General Aptitude Test (p=0.048, B=-0.05) negatively predicted cGPA. Moreover, none of the pre-admission variables were predictive of progress test performance in the same group. On the other hand, none of the pre-admission variables were predictive of cGPA in clinical years. Overall, cGPA strongly predict-ed students’ progress test performance (p<0.001 and B=19.02).ConclusionsOnly the National Achievement Test and TOEFL significantly predicted performance in preclinical years. However, these variables do not predict progress test performance, meaning that they do not predict the functional knowledge reflected in the progress test. We report various strengths and deficiencies in the current medical college admission criteria, and call for employing more sensitive and valid ones that predict student performance and functional knowledge, especially in the clinical years.
Introduction: Women and older patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) have disproportionately higher rates of adverse events compared to men and younger patients, respectively. Yet, guidelines recommend same left ventricular (LV) dimension thresholds for intervention in all. While experimental animal models suggest different rates of LV remodeling by sex and age, there is paucity of data in humans with AR Methods: We included consecutive patients with isolated moderate or severe AR who were serially monitored by echo between 2010 & 2016. The 2 main endpoints were change in LV volumes indexed to body surface area (LVEDVi & LVESVi ) and adverse events (heart failure hospitalization, urgent surgery, or death) Results: 786 patients [mean (SD) age 58 (16) yrs & 31% women] were included. Median (IQR) follow up was 25 (12-44) months. A moderate increase in LV volumes was observed overall, although women consistently had smaller LV volumes compared to men ( Fig 1 ). Similarly, compared to younger patients (<60 yrs), older patients (≥60 yrs) persistently had smaller LV volumes ( Fig 1 ). Despite having smaller LV volumes, women and older patients were more sensitive to change in LV volumes, with higher rate of events per unit increase in volume e.g., HR per unit increase in LVEDVi was 1.01 (1.00-1.02) for men and 1.03 (1.01-1.07) for women ( P int =0.01) ( Fig 2 ) Conclusions: Independent of BSA, women and older patients with significant AR maintained smaller LV volumes than men and younger patients, respectively, on serial evaluation. Yet, they were more sensitive to change in LV volume. Sex and age-specific LV volume thresholds for timing of AR surgery are needed to address disparity in outcomes
AimsOur aim is to study factors influencing attitudes of medical students towards pursuing Psychiatry as a career. We hypothesise that the minimal exposure and/or importance given to Psychiatry during medical school is insufficient to let a student truly experience and appreciate the specialty.BackgroundStudies report an annual decline in Psychiatry Trainees in many parts of the world. This deficiency is projected to create gaps between mental health service needs and providers. Studies have also explored the crisis in recruitment and the positive impact a short course can have in promoting engagement in Psychiatry by students.MethodAn anonymous questionnaire was distributed amongst medical students, from years 1 to 5, in the College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Factors assessed in the survey included demographics, specialty ranking, acceptance ratios, role models and personal experiences, among others. Those who didn't express interest were asked about the lack of exposure to Psychiatry during medical school along with other influential factors that have been studied elsewhere, including those that we hypothesise to be of significance in our study population.ResultA total of 153 students responded. Positive views towards Psychiatry increased linearly by year (50% in Year 1 to 90% in Year 5). 33% of students selected psychiatry as a top 3 choice with the most significant factors being a unique patient-doctor relationship (P < 0.05), and the challenges faced in the specialty (95%).Of the 67% of students who did not prefer Psychiatry, insufficient exposure to ward experiences and the specialty as a whole were unanimously agreed upon factors. Other deterring factors included lack of instant gratification when treating a psychiatric patient (72%), and an underestimation by the non-medical community of a Psychiatrists role (26%).ConclusionOur findings give an optimistic view towards the future of Psychiatry in the region, given the large number of students (33%) who consider it in their top 3 choices for a career. However, a larger number of students continue to have a negative view towards Psychiatry, especially due to the lack of exposure to the specialty during medical school. The factors identified in our study should be tackled by medical schools or curriculum provision authorities, as this has shown to be of benefit in studies in other parts of the world.
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