Perceptions of district residency programme among postgraduate medical students:  A cross-sectional study.

Ejju Krishna  Chaithanya; Dr Poojitha Ram Vemi  Reddy; Dr Gali sai Chandana; Dr G. Indrani

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2078

Authors

Dr. Ejju Krishna Chaithanya Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India- 517507
Dr . Poojitha Ram Vemi Reddy Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr . Gali sai Chandana Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr . G. Indrani Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India-517507.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2078

Keywords:

District Residency Programme, postgraduate training, perceptions, India

Abstract

Background:

The National Medical Commission (NMC) introduced the District Residency Programme (DRP) to strengthen postgraduate medical education through mandatory postings in district hospitals. It aims to enhance clinical exposure, decision-making, and understanding of public health systems while addressing workforce gaps in underserved regions. Objectives: To evaluate postgraduate students’ perceptions of the DRP, focusing on its educational value, challenges, and areas for improvement. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 217 postgraduate students of Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, who had completed DRP postings. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and t-tests; qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Most participants were aged 26–30 years (68.5%), with females slightly outnumbering males (53.0% vs. 47.0%). The majority (91.2%) were posted with specialty teams, 88.0% contributed to diagnostic services, and 76.5% reported mentorship. About 67.3% believed DRP would benefit future practice, and 61.8% considered it essential. Areas for improvement included limited access to remote academic activities (44.2% had provision, 55.8% did not) and inconsistent exposure to national health programmes, which several students highlighted as gaps requiring attention. Conclusion: Students valued DRP for clinical exposure, teamwork, and service orientation, but highlighted challenges in academic integration and applicability to non-clinical disciplines. Recommendations: Structured mentorship, digital learning, and specialty-specific models are recommended for sustainability.

Author Biographies

Dr. Ejju Krishna Chaithanya, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India- 517507

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati. With expertise in histopathology, cytology, hematology, immunohistochemistry, and frozen section interpretation, she has a strong passion for medical education and diagnostic pathology. She has presented papers and posters at national conferences and continues to contribute to teaching, research, and patient care. Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7410-3387.
Dr . Poojitha Ram Vemi Reddy, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati. A gold medallist in Pathology, she has extensive training in histopathology, cytology, hematology, and immunohistochemistry. She has presented research at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Her interests lie in diagnostic pathology, medical education, and translational research, bridging clinical practice and public health. Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0081-0169.
Dr . Gali sai Chandana, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India

is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology at Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati. With expertise in histopathology, cytology, hematology, immunohistochemistry, and frozen section interpretation, she is actively involved in teaching medical, paramedical, and nursing students. Her professional interests include diagnostic pathology and academic research. Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3706-6436.

References

National Medical Commission. Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations 2020. New Delhi: NMC; 2020.

National Medical Commission. Clarification on Implementation of District Residency Programme. NMC Notification, January 2023.

Government of India. National Health Policy 2017. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi; 2017.

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