The Early Patient Contact (EPC) program was introduced as an elective in the communication skills course during the first month of medical school. The objective of the study was to know the first year medical student’s perspective about role of EPC in making classroom teaching of communication skills relevant. 

The study sample included 50 first-year MBBS students of GMU who consented for EPC posting in AY 2010-11 & 2011-12 at GMC Hospital, Ajman.

Student’s feedback was obtained at the end of EPC posting based on Likert scales (5-1) (SA Strongly Agree; A: Agree; US: Unsure; D: Disagree; SD: Strongly Disagree).The data was analyzed using PASW 18.

EPC complements classroom teaching of communication skills to make it relevant as perceived by the fresheners. 

EPC is recommended to be introduced in the first year medical school curriculum to make learning communication skills in classroom more relevant.

GMC Hospital & Research Center, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

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