Community Oriented Projects (COP)

1.0

Introduction

The training of medical students to be caring doctors is the ultimate goal of the
International Medical University. Humanistic skill should be ingrained in every student
and the medical curriculum should be designed to ensure that this vital skill is
continuously being emphasized throughout the course of the medical curriculum. Medical
students should be actively involved with the community so as to be able to understand
the health needs of society. Summerlin et al (1993) reiterate that medical students and
residents are more likely to understand the health needs of a community if they have
community-based practical experience during their training.
The Community Oriented Projects at welfare institutions or in the community will
provide a learning experience for students to identify relevant community health needs,
interventions and services. Students will be able to familarise themselves with the
organization and services provided by welfare institutions in addition to actively
participating in intervention activities. The experiential learning provided throughout this
posting will enhance knowledge and skills in community support services provided by
both, government and non governmental agencies. This project addresses three IMU out
comes, mainly disease prevention and health promotion, family and community issues in
health care, and professionalism, ethics, and personal development.
2.0

Learning Objectives

At the end of the posting students should have:

2.1
2.2

2.4

Be able to describe psychosocial aspects of a health issue in the community

Be able to describe the role and services of healthcare agencies dealing with
health issues in the community
Acquire skills in analyzing needs arising out of health problems in the
community.
Develop a humanistic attitude towards the sick/underprivileged in the community

3.0

Mode of Implementation

2.3

This is a contract learning undertaken individually or by a group not exceeding 6

students in consultation with their supervisors.
This programme is totally student driven.
The project planning will commence in Semester 1 and be completed early
semester 2

4.0

The students will be given the flexibility of selecting a community based activity.
They include government and non governmental organisations, schools or any
community project of their choice.
The students should actively participate in the activities and acquire skills in
conducting a community based service.
Staff from the Community Medicine section will be assigned to each
student/group to serve as a supervisor.
Official from the institution where the project is conducted will act as an External
Supervisor

Students Responsibilities
1. Decide if the activity is to be performed individually or as a group
2. If its a group activity select leader for the group
3. Make preliminary inquiries to select the institution where the project will be
conducted.
4. Decide on activity to be performed and make draft proposal with objectives.
5. Consult community medicine staff on assigned days for advice.
6. Write project proposal and plan of action.
7. Obtain formal letter of introduction from COP Coordinator if necessary.
8. Get formal approval from the institution to conduct the programme.
9. Prepare yourself for the activity
10. Implement the programme.
11. Get feedback form signed by the External Supervisor. (Appendix 1)
12. Write report individually and submit online before deadline.

NB.
1. Students are advised to follow the schedule given in the Plan of Action.
2. Students should obtain Supervisor approval for any material produced for health
education activities. This is to make sure that students do not provide
misinformation to the community.

5.0

Report Format

Each student will submit a report of 750 to 1000 words. Your report shall be written
individually irrespective of performing the project individually or as a group.

5.1

Title
Title is what the reader sees first. It should be chosen with care to attract the
reader giving an adequate description of the project.

5.2

Introduction & background (Not more than 250 words)

Describe the global and the Malaysian scenario of the health related problem
addressed in your project. What is been done to address the health problem and
how much is done and why it is done. Write what is known about the issue and
what is been done to address it. A brief description of the institution or the
community where the project was done.

5.3

Summary of activities (Not more than 200 words)

Objectives: A precise statement of what you hoped to achieve by your activity.
What was done.

5.4

Reflections
(whats below is only a guideline for reflections, could be less or more)
Lessons learnt
Value of lessons learnt as a future doctor
Limitations experienced
How to overcome such limitations
Your feelings:
- about the health related problem
- regarding the services provided - strengths and weaknesses
- on the impact of the services provided by the institution
Understanding the issues from stakeholders point

NB : Plagiarism constitutes professional as well as scientific misconduct.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken for plagiarism.

6.0

Assessment

See marking grid

7.0

Plan of Action
Action

By Whom

Students briefed on the COP

Coordinator
Students decide whether project is done individually or as Students
a group
Students make preliminary inquiries on where the project Students
could be done
Students meet staff of Community Medicine section with Student
proposal (See time table for dates and venue)
Supervisors
Develop a detailed project plan

Students

Students to submit application. Appendix 1

(See deadline in time table 29th January 2015)
Get official letters of introduction

ASD/Coordinator
Coordinator

Get official approval from the institution where project Students

will be done
If any teaching material are to be used get approval from Students
supervisor
Supervisor
Preparation for project

Students

Conduct the project

Students

Deadline for online submission 27th March 2015)

Assessment of reports completed

Students
Supervisors

Dr Ranjit De Alwis
Ext 2808
Coordinator