Department of Pharmacology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana 141001, Punjab, India
The goal of postgraduate (PG) training is to produce a competent and knowledgeable pharmacologist. This article examines the various training modules which have been incorporated to raise the standard of PG teaching. Also, the training programme was evaluated by the former PGs so that it can be modified accordingly.
To evaluate the on-going PG pharmacology training programme of the institute.
We have a regular curriculum and an equally fair evaluation pattern which tests the true calibre of students. Along with the traditional learning areas like animal experiments, toxicology, biostatistics, the postgraduates are also trained in computer skills, pharmaco-vigilance, clinical trials etc. PGs are evaluated on a continual basis during course for the achievement of competency in various fields. The formative assessment also monitors the communication skills and professional behaviour in addition to cognition skills. To assess our training programme, a feedback questionnaire was sent to all our former PGs by email and the data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics.
Our model and the students trained under this model have been able to fare quite well in diverse roles as academician, clinical pharmacologist, planners and executers of clinical trials, medical advisors, etc. Major weak areas identified by our former PGs include lack of awareness regarding post PG career opportunities and inadequate training, if opting for a career in pharmaceutical industry. The strong areas include systematic approach and regular tests and presentations.
On-going PG pharmacology training is successful in producing well-trained clinical pharmacologists and academicians in the field of pharmacology. Weak areas as identified by the participants need to be addressed.
Clinical pharmacology, Pharmacovigilance, Log book, Statistics, Questionnaire based study, Post-graduate course, Feedback
