Evaluation of Medical Students' Perception of Dermatology as a Choice of Specialization

Abstract

Background: Students' choice of specialization has been noted to be influenced by the amount of exposure
they have to a particular topic. The foundation of understanding dermatology depends on the extent of exposure they have as students. This study aims to determine the general perception of the pioneer set of medical students of the dermatology lectures received and if this has influenced their consideration of
dermatology as a choice of specialization.

Methods: Pioneer students of two new medical schools in Rivers State were given a self-administered
structured questionnaire to seek the students' perception of the lectures received.

Result: Sixty-four percent of the total students were females. The majority, 98.7 % were single and within
the 18-24 age group. A majority, 69.3% of the total pioneer medical students, found the lectures
interesting, 60% of the students understood what was taught most times, 97.3% had their knowledge
increased, and 81.3% had gained more confidence. However, only 18.6% considered dermatology as a
choice of specialization. The majority of the students who considered dermatology as a choice of specialization were influenced by the lectures received.

Conclusion: Dermatology lectures received by the pioneer students were found to be interesting and
increased their knowledge and confidence in the management of skin diseases; however, few considered
dermatology as a choice of specialization.

Keywords: Assessment, Dermatology, Medical, Perception, Students