A call for mentoring of medical students in the backdrop of integrated curriculum.

Background: Integrated Modular Teaching program was introduced at Foundation University Medical College in 2009. The concept of integrated modular teaching was new to the faculty and students. A need was felt by Department of Medical Education for establishing a mentoring system in order to have a better understanding of students' problem, to provide them continuous support and to make them sail smoothly through this new system.

Work place based assessment in foundation year: Foundation University Medical College experience.

Background: In year 2011 the Department of Medical Education, Foundation University Medical College, Rawalpindi decided to implement workplace based assessments (WPBA) in the upcoming batch of students. The formative assessment included Mini-Cex, Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS), case-based discussions (CbD) and multisource feedback (MSF). The study was undertaken to explore and determine the perceptions of the surgical trainees and faculty regarding their experiences in WPBA.

Impact of multiparity on iron content in multiparous women.

Background: The effect of multiple pregnancies, a very common pattern in reproductive lifestyle of Pakistani women, needs to be addressed to see if it affects the iron content and hence cause iron deficiency. Recognising this deficiency prior to development of anaemia can prevent disastrous consequences that can complicate the life of the mother and foetus especially in developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the effect that the stress of multiple pregnancies has on the iron status of the body.

Serum vitamin A levels in children under five years old.

Background: Vitamin A deficiency is considered to be a wide spread public health problem among preschool children in the developing countries. A pilot study for the nutritional problems in Pakistan showed that majority of the children in the study group was suffering from vitamin A deficiency.

Methods: This study was carried out to assess the vitamin A status of children under five belonging to different socioeconomic groups.