Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Community Medicine is included in medical education to make the medical students aware and responsible for community. The broad aim of teaching community medicine for undergraduate is to prepare them to function as community and first level physician in accordance with institutional goals.

Cross sectional study conducted from April to August 2015. 240 medical students of 3^rd to 7^th term MBBS of D.Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur participated. All were explained purpose of study and assured confidentiality. Data collected from willing participants using pre-tested questionnaire contains primary data and interest, perceptions of teaching methods, curriculum, preference, career, etc in community medicine.

70.42% students interested in CM subject. Less field visits (45.07%), more calculations & formulae (32.39%) were prime reasons of non-interest. Majority (67.50%) purchased text book in 3^rd year & K. Park remains most preferred (75.83%). Learning CM leads to positive change in life style. Majority knows importance of subject in PG entrance but few consider it in top five. 53 students interested for career in CM while 60.83% not interested. 87.08% felt CM important in clinical practice and 82.08% claimed it helps to get them closer to community. 84.17% told field/community visits needed for better understanding and 87.08% felt need of social awareness activities. 89.17% agreed getting knowledge of Government programmes/policies from subject.

Minimal interaction of students with community and public health services with more of lecture based teaching in Community Medicine may be the key issues. It should be more interactive, student centric, problem solving and evidence based, focusing to the community needs.