1.The Crisis of Medical Education in Primary Care Medicine Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic in a Malaysian Higher Institution
Salma Yasmin Mohd Yusuf ; Zati Sabrina Ahmad Zubaidi
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.1):297-302
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has not only impacted the paradigm of health care delivery, but also the
education of future health care providers. Medical faculties are compelled to cease all face-to-face teaching considering the threat of the virus. The ramification of distant learning was heavily endured by primary care educators who
not only train the undergraduates but also future family medicine specialists. We have discovered that as a medical
educator, it is important to continuously evolve and adapt to current situation. Even in the absence of face-to-face
teaching, the primary care curriculum can be successfully delivered using the online platform. Here, we describe the
crises faced in this endeavour, the solutions that were undertaken, and the advantages of virtual teaching which we
hope will add value to primary care medical education.
2.Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: Diagnosis and Psychological Impact in Two Adolescents, A Case Report
Salma Yasmin Mohd Yusuf ; Mazapuspavina Md Yasin ; Akmal Zulayla Mohd Zahid ; Akmal Hisham Arshad ; Khariah Mat Nor
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.1):365-368
This case report illustrates two cases of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) which is a rare form of sexual development disorder. Both presented with primary amenorrhea at the age of 18 and 19 years old. The hormonal
profiles ruled out hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, and primary ovarian failure. Magnetic resonance imaging of
both patients showed the absence of uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, but the presence of proximal 1/3rd of the vagina. There is a single testis in the left inguinal region with unknown status of spermatogenesis. Women with CAIS
are vulnerable to various psychological conditions caused by the appalling fact of being genotypically male when
they have been raised female all their life. The gender confusion, reproductive issues, and how others perceive them
require sensitive support. Hence, accentuate the need to explore and address the emotional, psychological, and psychiatric vulnerabilities, religious and spiritual beliefs in issues of relationships, infertility, and conception.
3.Clinical Competence and Learning Environment of Primary Care Medical Students Amid Covid-19 Pandemic: Online Distance Learning Versus Face-to-Face Teaching
Khairatul Nainey Kamaruddin ; Hayatul Najaa Miptah ; Nik Munirah Nik Mohd Nasir ; Salma Yasmin Mohd Yusuf ; Nur Amirah Shibraumalisi
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.5):89-96
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the learning environment for medical students
and affected their academic achievement. This study aims to determine the student’s clinical competency, learning
environment, and its associated factors during the primary care medicine posting amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among medical students who had completed primary care medicine posting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on socio-demographic, posting characteristics, and students’ learning
environment using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire and their objective
structured clinical examination (OSCE) marks were collected. Independent t-test was used to compare DREEM scores
between face-to-face and online groups. Multivariate analysis was used to determine factors associated with clinical
competency and DREEM scores with p <0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 205 students were recruited.
Only 9.8% failed OSCE. Face-to-face teaching delivery (OR=3.61, 95 CI =1.03,11.30), face-to-face precept method
(OR=1.24, 95 CI =1.12,12.51) and integrated curriculum (OR=5.23, 95 CI =1.03,26.47) were associated with good
clinical competency. The total mean DREEM score was 72.94 (SD 28.8), with 89.3% having poor DREEM scores.
Students who received face-to-face teaching scored higher in the Student’s Perceptions of Teacher domain compared
to online teaching (p =0.036). Conclusion: Face-to-face teaching is preferred for good clinical competence and a
learning environment. The impact of experiential learning was huge in our study, and it cannot be replaced by online
learning. Furthermore, retraining teachers will improve the online learning experience for the students.