Medical education in difficult circumstances: analysis of the experience of clinical medical students following the new innovative medical curriculum in Aksum, rural Ethiopia

A unique clinical learning environment in rural Ethiopia, characterized by limited specialist supervision and high patient need, provides early practical experience for medical students that enhances skill acquisition. This study analyzed the experiences of 74 clinical medical students following the New Innovative Medical Curriculum (NIMC) at Aksum School of Medicine, using qualitative interviews, direct observations, and questionnaires. While the curriculum's structured approach often clashed with real-world clinical demands, students valued early responsibility and found skills sessions particularly beneficial. The research highlights the importance of specialist supervision in such challenging settings, offering insights into medical education in resource-constrained environments.

Morgan, C., Teshome, M., Crocker-Buque, T., Bhudia, R., & Singh, K. (2018). Medical education in difficult circumstances: analysis of the experience of clinical medical students following the new innovative medical curriculum in Aksum, rural Ethiopia. BMC Medical Education, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-018-1199-x