OIMU held an online meeting with alumni and 5th-year students focused on strengthening exam preparation and improving the quality of education. The event took place on February 3, 2024 in online format via Zoom. University leadership, faculty administration, department heads, academic staff, alumni from previous years, and final-year students participated in the discussion.
During the meeting, participants reviewed FMGE exam outcomes and identified key areas to enhance preparation for current students. Several alumni results were highlighted, and it was noted that while many students have a solid knowledge base, they often lose marks due to weak time management and insufficient practice in real exam conditions.
Special emphasis was placed on expanding CBT-based testing and systematic work with MCQs. Alumni recommended conducting regular internal exams that fully simulate the FMGE format—strict time limits and computer-based delivery—to reduce psychological barriers and build strong test-taking skills.
In the curriculum discussion, alumni stressed the critical importance of PSM as a major FMGE component and recommended including or expanding it within the core curriculum. Suggestions were also made to further develop the Family Medicine course by integrating clinically relevant protocols and algorithms used in India. As an additional step, the meeting proposed inviting specialist lecturers from India for offline guest sessions in PSM to better cover India-specific healthcare topics such as epidemiology and public programs.
Assessment methods and practical skills were also discussed. Alumni noted that VIVA and skills demonstrations are highly effective for students in years 2–4, while for the 5th year, the priority should be MCQ-focused preparation aligned with the exam format. The OIMU Simulation Center received strong positive feedback for its accessibility and practical value in developing clinical skills.
Attendance and discipline were addressed as well. The administration expressed concern about missed classes among final-year students, emphasizing the need for stricter attendance monitoring and supportive guidance on organizing an effective study routine.
Following the meeting, the participants agreed on the following actions:
Clinical Departments: introduce regular MCQ sessions and FMGE-style mock exams for 5th-year students;
Academic Office: consider including/expanding PSM and integrating India-specific protocols into the Family Medicine course;
EGD Department: optimize the Russian language curriculum with a focus on essential medical vocabulary for patient communication;
Dean’s Office: strengthen attendance control for 5th-year students and conduct awareness sessions through the student leadership.
OIMU thanks its alumni for their active participation and constructive recommendations. The university will continue engaging with graduates and will incorporate their feedback when updating curricula and supporting students in preparation for international examinations.