CHENNAI: Students taking up medicine favour some courses in their higher education with the result that other subjects are neglected. The consequence: undergraduate students do not have enough teachers while post-graduate courses suffer for want of trained teachers.

Among the least preferred subjects in medical education are Anatomy, Physiology, Community Medicine and Forensic Medicine. These subjects are taught at the undergraduate level and students take examinations but few specialise in them because they do not provide scope for professional advancement.

While the lack of doctors/teachers in various government colleges in the State is often remarked about, members of the Medical Council of India say that across the country students do not choose these four subjects. M.B.B.S. students study anatomy, physiology and biochemistry for 18 months and take examinations in community medicine and forensic science as part of graduation requirement but the subjects are not preferred because they are not lucrative.

Students cannot use their education to further their career either. Graduates in biochemistry or pathology set up laboratories but students of anatomy and physiology waste away in clerical jobs. Forensic Science too offers very limited scope as one deals only with medico-legal aspects such as autopsy and presenting evidence in the court. Heads of departments in government institutions say undergraduate students can be taught the basic sciences but post-graduate classes need trained teachers.

For over 15 years courses such as anatomy, physiology, community medicine and forensic medicine have been neglected, says a member of the MCI.

Lack of teachers and low interest in the subjects have resulted in shortage of teachers even for undergraduate classes. At present, the 12 State-run medical colleges have only six professors in forensic medicine.

Middle level doctors/lecturers are disappointed that qualified professionals are not seeking Government service. Doctors recruited on contract do not have enough experience to teach students, they say.

These consultants could be given postings at primary health centres to gain experience before being absorbed in larger hospitals, says an assistant professor.

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