MEDICAL STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES WITH THE INTEGRATED MODULAR CURRICULUM: A QUALITATIVE STUDY AT CENTRAL PARK MEDICAL COLLEGE, LAHORE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v22i2.1939Keywords:
Clinical competence, Integrated curriculum, Medical education, Medical students, Qualitative researchAbstract
Background: Integrated modular curricula are increasingly adopted in medical education to promote conceptual learning and strengthen basic-clinical science integration. Qualitative evidence from Pakistani private-sector medical colleges remains limited. The objective of this study was to explore the academic and emotional experiences of medical students studying under an integrated modular curriculum at Central Park Medical College, Lahore. Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted from Aug to Nov 2025. Second-year MBBS students enrolled in the integrated modular curriculum were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis. Data collection continued until thematic saturation. Results: Six themes emerged: curricular perception, learning experience, integration of sciences, assessment and feedback, challenges and support, and clinical readiness. Students reported improved conceptual understanding, motivation, and clinical relevance. Challenges included heavy workload, time-management difficulties, fragmented assessments, and interdepartmental coordination gaps. Continuous assessments promoted regular study but emphasized factual recall over conceptual understanding. Peer, faculty, and institutional support aided adaptation. Conclusion: The integrated modular curriculum promoted meaningful learning and clinical relevance but revealed implementation challenges. Improving curriculum organization, faculty development, assessment strategies, and student support may maximize benefits of curriculum integration.
Pak J Physiol 2026;22(2):102–6, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v22i2.1939
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amber Shami , Mehak Shafiq , Waleed Ahmed Butt, Farheen Zehra, Aasma Qaiser, Amaidah Mir
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