Medical Graduate’s Basic Knowledge and Clinical Skills Assessment in Otorhinolaryngology Post Internship

Exposure to otorhinolaryngology in India has been shadowed by an inadequate curriculum. Our study brings forth the lacunae in medical education setup related to ENT. We introspect why the subject is not a first choice for specialization. 100 medical graduates were assessed at the end of internship postings for: (1) subject knowledge, (2) basic and emergency procedures, (3) diagnosis and investigation of common and emergency conditions. 84% take ENT as a minor subject. Least awareness is seen regarding its relation with skull base, head and neck and plastic surgery. Very few knew about advanced surgeries and instruments in the field. Majority rejected ENT as a primary choice and its upgradation as major subject. Routine and emergency procedures based on ENT were not a matter of ease by majority of subjects. Post internship doctors lagged in doing basic clinical and diagnostic steps. Diagnosis of various pathologies was not a skill of majority of subjects under study. A lack of basic knowledge of important emergency conditions in ENT was noticed. Our study points at inadequate training in ENT and under estimation of its scope. The outcome raises a need to revise the curriculum and methodology to come at par with world standards, reflecting its true expanse and tremendous scope.