Integrating genetics into medical curriculum: evaluating a dedicated clinical genetics module at Dow university of...

Advances in clinical genetics have significantly impacted modern healthcare, making genetic knowledge essential for today's medical professionals. It is crucial for general physicians to recognize when genetic or genomic testing is appropriate for guiding treatment decisions. In response to this need, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) has initiated a two-week dedicated clinical genetics module for 4th-year medical students, to enhance the curriculum with more focused approach. This comprehensive module covers basic genetics, inheritance principles, molecular genetics, genetic epidemiology, and the clinical application of genetic knowledge. It also addresses the social, legal, and ethical implications of genetic information, preparing students for patient communication and genetic counseling. This article discusses the importance of teaching clinical genetics to medical students, presents survey findings, examination results, and underscores the significance of including genetic education in medical curricula to enhance clinical utility and patient care.

The genetic module was constructed to equip students with skills for personalized medicine and online tutorials for navigating genomic databases. Upon completion, students from both Dow Medical College (DMC) and Dow International Medical College (DIMC) completed a survey. Examination results and the student's responses of the survey were analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Among the 125 surveyed students, 72% were from the DMC and 28% were from the DIMC, with a median age of 22 years and predominantly male (79.2%). Approximately 59% had previous exposure to genetics. The module received positive feedback: 58.4% rated it excellent, and 37.6% rated it good. Content clarity and lecture engagement were highly rated, with over 90% finding them clear and engaging. According to 90.4% of the respondents, learning objectives were well met. The inclusion of more genetic content in the MBBS curriculum was considered important by 87.2%. Medical genetics was deemed highly relevant to future practice by 93.6%. The module significantly enhanced understanding of patient care, with strong overall student satisfaction. In the Genetic Module Exam, DMC students had a pass rate of 95.69%, while DIMC students had a pass rate of 79.62%. Overall, 91.46% of students passed the exam.

The clinical genetics module at DUHS was well received, effectively enhancing students' understanding of genetic principles and their clinical applications. Students highly rated the module for content clarity, lecture engagement, and relevance to future medical practice. There is a strong demand for more genetic education in the MBBS curriculum, highlighting its importance in preparing future healthcare professionals.