A significant milestone in the implementation of the revised NMC curriculum was achieved at JMN Medical College with the launch of the Family Adoption Programme. This initiative marked the first real-world exposure of first-year medical students to community healthcare, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to understand the health needs of families within their own environments. The programme is a stepping stone towards nurturing future physicians who are not only clinically competent but also deeply attuned to community health concerns.
The day commenced promptly at 9:00 a.m., with the entire faculty of the Community Medicine Department present on campus. Prior to the field visit, students had been thoroughly briefed on the objectives and methodology of the programme. They were then divided into two groups, each accompanied by faculty members, and transported to the designated field area via college buses.
The programme was carried out in Ward No. 19, covering High Road Mahamaya Colony to High Road Saluja Jaykrishnapur, a locality approximately 1 km from the college. To facilitate a smooth interaction, local Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers were mobilized to assist in building rapport between students and community members. Their presence played a crucial role in easing initial interactions and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for the students.
Upon arrival, the students were introduced to their allotted families. Despite the unpredictable weather, with rain looming on the horizon, the enthusiasm of both students and community members remained unwavering. The warmth and hospitality of the residents were evident as they graciously invited students into their homes when the rains arrived, offering them an immersive experience of rural life.
Throughout the visit, students honed essential communication skills, learning the nuances of effective first contact interactions and deeper engagement techniques. They were guided in identifying the unique health challenges faced by each family, a critical aspect of their first-year competencies as outlined in the NMC curriculum. Under the close supervision of faculty members, they began to appreciate the importance of community-oriented healthcare, gaining firsthand insights into factors influencing public health at the grassroots level.
The visit concluded with students making a heartfelt commitment to their adopted families, promising to return for continued engagement. The Family Adoption Programme is envisioned as a long-term initiative, fostering a sustained connection between medical students and the community. By revisiting their assigned families periodically, students will not only track and assess evolving health concerns but also propose meaningful interventions, thereby contributing to holistic healthcare development in the region. The inaugural session of the Family Adoption Programme at JMN Medical College was a resounding success, setting a strong foundation for future community health initiatives. This endeavour reflects the institution’s commitment to producing socially responsible, empathetic, and skilled physicians, fully prepared to meet the diverse healthcare needs of society.
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