A Study of Profile of Newly Admitted Medical Students and Their Perception Towards Family Adoption Program

Background: The Family Adoption Program (FAP), newly mandated by National Medical Commission for all MBBS studentsaims to provide an experiential learning opportunity for them towards community-based health care. This study was conducted toassess the profile of the MBBS students, their perception and of the families adopted by them on FAP. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 including 100 medical students of Rajiv Gandhi MedicalCollege. After sensitization to the FAP proforma, each student was allotted five families for adoption from the Lokmanya Nagarlocated in the outskirts of Thane city. Students recorded details of families in the proforma. Feedback and perception on FAP fromthe families as well as from students were collected. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. ꭓ2 test was applied. Results: Out of 100 students, 48% students were males and 52% were females. 96% students were in the age group of 17-20 yearsand 4% were of aged >20 years. 98% of the medical students were told by the adopted families that FAP is a good initiative. Allthe students mentioned in the feedback, FAP will help to develop leadership skill among them, will help to enhance the health ofthe adopted families and will surely improve the communication skill of the Indian Medical Graduates which will be useful for theirprofessional growth. Conclusions: All students were delighted and gratified with this program and the same was mentioned by them in the feedback.FAP will create a significant difference in medical education and will definitely help to promote health of the adopted families.