Evaluation of teaching–learning methods and mentoring in pharmacology among second-year MBBS students: A cross-sectional study.

Dr. Mary Rohini  Pentareddy; Dr. Roopa  Baguruballi; Dr. Padma Latha  Merugu; Dr. Suresh Babu  Sayana

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2108

Authors

Dr. Mary Rohini Pentareddy Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical college, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Telangana,India
Dr. Roopa Baguruballi Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. Padma Latha Merugu Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Jangoan, Telangana, India
Dr. Suresh Babu Sayana Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2108

Keywords:

Pharmacology, Teaching, Learning, Mentoring, Reforms

Abstract

Background:

Pharmacology is a pivotal discipline in medical education, bridging the gap between basic sciences and clinical practice. As the subject continues to evolve with rapid drug development and therapeutic innovations, teaching methodologies must also adapt to ensure effective student learning. Several educational reforms have been proposed and implemented in recent years, yet understanding students’ perspectives remains crucial for identifying gaps and improving pedagogical strategies.

Objectives:

The present study aimed to assess undergraduate medical students’ perceptions of pharmacology and to obtain structured feedback on the effectiveness of current teaching and learning methods.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 150 undergraduate medical students after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A prevalidated questionnaire covering various aspects of pharmacology teaching was administered to the participants following informed consent. Responses were systematically collected, compiled, and analyzed.

Results:

Out of 150 students approached, 129 completed the survey (response rate: 86%). The majority were females (64.3%), with an age range of 18–22 years (mean ± SD: 19.8 ± 0.9 years). Most respondents hailed from urban backgrounds (58%) and were hostel residents (62%). Central nervous system pharmacology was perceived as the most interesting topic (35.7%), followed by cardiovascular and autonomic pharmacology. Regarding teaching preferences, students favored case-based learning (34%) and blackboard teaching (29%), while audiovisual aids and didactic lectures were rated least engaging. A substantial proportion (90.4%) endorsed structured mentoring, preferably by senior faculty members.

Conclusion:

This study underscores the value of regularly obtaining student feedback to refine and implement effective teaching-learning strategies in pharmacology.

Recommendations:

Incorporating case-based discussions, interactive activities, digital tools, periodic quizzes, and structured faculty mentoring can significantly enhance pharmacology education and improve long-term knowledge retention.

Author Biographies

Dr. Mary Rohini Pentareddy, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical college, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Telangana,India

is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri. She worked as an Assistant Professor at RVMIMS&RC for a period of 3 years. She also served as an Assistant Professor at Gandhi Medical College for 5 years, after which she was promoted to Associate Professor at Yadadri Bhuvanagiri. She has successfully guided her Undergraduate students in ICMR STS projects and postgraduate students in their Thesis work. She has teaching experience of 10 years, and has authored 12 Publications in Reputed journals focusing on Pharmacology. She did oral and poster presentations at various conferences. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8593-1637

Dr. Roopa Baguruballi, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India

has been working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Rangaraya Government Medical College, Kakinada, for 4.5 years. She worked as an Assistant Professor at RVMIMS&RC for a period of 2.5 years. She has successfully guided her Undergraduate students in ICMR STS projects and Dr.NTRUHS STS projects. She has authored 9 Publications in Reputed journals focusing on Pharmacology.

Dr. Padma Latha Merugu, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Jangoan, Telangana, India

is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Government Medical College, Jangaon. She has previously worked as an Assistant Professor at SIMS, Hyderabad, for a period of 5 months, at Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, LB Nagar, for 5 months, and at Government Medical College, Mahabubnagar, for 3 years and 3 months. Later, she joined the Government Medical College, Jangaon, as an Associate Professor. She has a total of 6 years of teaching experience, has guided postgraduate students in their research work, and has authored 5 publications in reputed journals focusing on pharmacology.

Dr. Suresh Babu Sayana, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India

is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at Government Medical College and General Hospital, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India. He earned his Doctoral degree in Medical Pharmacology from the esteemed Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Deemed University (KIMSDU), Karad, Maharashtra. With over 16 years of teaching experience in various government and private medical institutions across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, Dr. Sayana has made notable academic and research contributions. He has authored 60 international research publications, including 20 articles indexed in PubMed and 14 in Scopus-indexed impact factor journals. His core research interests lie in ethnopharmacology, cardiology, Internal Medicine, and pharmacological review literature. Dr. Sayana secured 2nd rank in the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) recruitment for the post of Assistant Professor in 2019. He was honored with the Best Teacher Award by the Government of Karnataka for his excellence in medical education. In 2025, he received the distinguished Cureus Laureate Award from the Cureus Journal of Medical Science in recognition of his outstanding contributions to scientific research. Suresh Babu Sayana: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4971-4007

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