RGUHS Partners with Nimhans to Launch Comprehensive Life Skills Program for MBBS Students
In a significant move to enhance medical education, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in Bengaluru is set to introduce a pioneering life and study skills intervention model for MBBS students across its affiliated medical colleges. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), aims to address both academic and behavioral challenges faced by medical students.
Program Approval and Funding
The university's latest syndicate meeting has formally approved the program, allocating Rs 50 lakh as seed money for its initial implementation. RGUHS plans to supplement this funding by seeking corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the project.
Objectives and Curriculum Focus
According to Bhagavan BC, Vice-Chancellor of RGUHS, the primary goals of the intervention are to improve academic performance and reduce behavioral issues among students. The program will utilize a mentoring approach, covering essential skills such as:
- Time management and stress management
- Multitasking and micro-planning for studies
- Memory and concentration techniques
- Knowledge management strategies
Implementation Strategy
The rollout will begin with a comprehensive assessment of the current academic performance of all medical students in Karnataka. This will be followed by identifying their specific mentoring and behavioral needs. Bhagavan BC emphasized the importance of understanding student feedback, particularly after the introduction of the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum in 2019-20. "We are trying to gauge their acceptance of the new system, stress levels, and overall learning experiences," he stated.
Faculty Training and Structure
With 53 medical colleges under RGUHS, Nimhans will train three faculty members from each institution:
- One from psychiatry
- One from community medicine
- One designated as the nodal person for the mentoring cell
These trained faculty will then mentor their colleagues within their respective colleges, creating a cascading effect of support.
Addressing Behavioral and Mental Health Concerns
An official from Nimhans highlighted that the program will focus on reducing critical issues such as behavioral problems, suicidal ideation, technology addiction, and substance abuse. Students will be educated about the availability of mentoring support for a wide range of concerns, from academic struggles to personal relationships and substance use. "In the long term, we aim to establish a mentoring model that becomes an integral part of the medical education system," the official added.
Innovative AI-Enabled Support
In addition to traditional mentoring, the program includes plans to develop and test an AI-enabled counselling service chatbot. This tool will provide support and guidance in multiple languages, offering students an alternative to discussing sensitive issues with teachers. "We want to give them options beyond faculty interactions. If they prefer not to talk to teachers, they can use these AI-enabled machines or kiosks," explained the Nimhans official.
This holistic approach by RGUHS and Nimhans represents a proactive step towards fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for future medical professionals in Karnataka.
