The current power point explains the philosophy of new concept of Foundation Course as made compulsory by medical Council of India as a part of Curriculum Based Medical Education (CBME) and to be implemented by all Medical Colleges in India for MBBS course from August 2019. The Foundation course prepared by Dr Rajesh Garg has been acclaimed by medical professionals across the country for its innovative and unique approach with out of the box approach to make it one of the most interesting foundation course concept in India . The presentation can be used for academic purpose strictly only. Acknowledgement of author is must for showing or using any part of it publically. No professional use for commercial gain/ purpose of any kind is allowed.

1. Dr Rajesh Garg
Associate Professor
Department of Community Medicine
KCGMC, Karnal (HR)

2.  Before the introduction of compulsory
foundation course this year , most of the
medical colleges were already conducting
orientation program of 3 to 10 days before
the start of the session.
 But those orientation programs was not
standardized and there were no clear cut
guidelines about what really was expected
from a orientation program for students.

3.  As per the new curriculum to be
implemented for MBBS course from 2019
onwards , a one month Foundation Course
has been introduced by medical Council of
India with lots of “ifs & buts”.
As any change anywhere brings
apprehensions and excitements
simultaneously, this new foundation course
was also not an exception….

4. The new foundation program came up
with an idea of :
 Fixed duration ( 175 Hours)
 Guidelines on what is broadly expected
from the course
 Independence to think out of box
 Explore the unknown territories under the
“ foundation” of “ foundation course”.

6.  Although guidelines were there but at first
it appeared that there was no roadmap
beyond 10 days even after extensive work
up on this course as per MCI guidelines.
 Further exploration lead to formulation of
a 15 days program with coverage of topics
related to communication, ethics, few
skills like Basic life Support and Hand
washing etc as per the Foundation course
guidelines provided.

7.  But one thing which was bothersome that
it was going on the way of a typical lecture
like pattern which the MCI was strictly
against while formulating and
implementing this foundation course.
 Rather they have suggested that as far as
possible Lecture Theaters should be
avoided even as venue during this course.

8.  Another threatening thing was its
direction- The course was heading towards
the path of boredom. Nothing was
appearing exciting from a newcomer point
of view.
 So to think something out of box was
imminent to complete the one month
duration and keep it lively too !!
So the following concepts were given a
thought-------------

9.  Do you really want to become a doctor ?- to
identify Real life Three idiots
 Ice Breaking- games and activities
 Know thy friends
 Word of the mouth marketing - What your
senior says about their experience here !!
 Worry about your diet at a new place – Talk to
the Dietician.
 Yoga and Health life style in new environment

10. Oh , Are you new to the place-
Disoriented ??
So Lets talk about your issues and try to sort
them out via “Problem and solution”
session.
Home sickness ? Stress ?
We will cater to this issue too….

11.  Interaction with non-medico people like
Journalist, Advocate, Police Officer, NGO
worker- Yes we are all interlinked !!
 To gain from experience of doctors working
in delivery of Health services- Medical
Officers and Deputy CMOs ( there are so
many at a district headquarter)

12.  What medical practice really is- “mazza”
ya “sazza” or “50- 50” ?- ask an hon’ IMA
member
 You can’t ignore the Universal sister- Meet
the Nurse.
 What it feels while working at the ground
level- Ask ANM/ASHA- the foot soldiers.

13.  Importance of newspapers & media etc to get
updated about local health news and practices
apart from medical books and journals.
 Special emphasis on small pox eradication and
polio elimination to let them know the magic
of public health and medicine.
 Medical etiquettes and Officer Like Qualities.
 Gender sensitization – Empowering boys to be
on term with the new cohorts of empowered
girls particularly in health sector.

14.  Do it yourself- let’s play “Role Play”
 Health Apps and role of social media in health
 A movie session for communication skills
 Cine-Medicine- Your movies teach you too!!
 Humorous names for all medical departments-
No need to be serious about ourselves all the
time…
Chill Man chill !!

19.  Patient as a teacher – Yes, you read it Right
 Panel Discussions- Let them have he idea of
acceptance and team work irrespective of
difference in opinion.
 Importance of documentation, reporting
and Referral .
 Scholarships –ICMR STS- sounds something
interesting now ?

20.  Public Health Awareness – Posters/
Banners/ flexes/ video clips/ TV
advertisements.
 Do you Like the role of a Manager, Leader,
Teacher ? So you are at right place .
 What if we do role reversal- the feelings of
a patient in hospital .

32. It’s a small effort to bring out a vivid yet
balanced foundation course fulfilling most
of the guidelines of MCI regarding time
frame and concepts.
But as few topics doesn’t fit into a water
tight compartment, there might be slight
variation from the hours allotted to each
skill.

33. As learning is an ongoing process
and it helps in updating and
upgrading the wisdom of an
individual, so any suggestions or
advice from the august gathering
of learned professionals for
addition, deletion, edition to this
course are humbly welcome.

34. // Thanks //