This study demonstrates that Trees Random Forest model (TRF) which is a rule-based classification model was the best model with the highest level of accuracy. Therefore, this model is recommended as a useful tool for breast cancer survival prediction as well as medical decision making.

erformance-based education can be described as an educational method to foster clinical skills as well as clinical knowledge of medical students. Studies show that performance-based methods are effective for teaching a whole gamut of knowledge, clinical skills, and attitudes (1,2). There is a tendency towards performancebased teaching and assessment in medical education (3) and it has been highlighted by General Medical Council (GMC) and the Association of American Medical Schools. This can be achieved by early clinical practice which is necessary in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. In this regard, real patients as a resource for teaching a wide range of clinical communication and examination are inevitably precious. In respond to such necessity, it is important to provide more opportunities for medical students to practice in a safe and controlled environment to gain mastery over essential clinical skills and knowledge prior to entry in a real life clinical setting. Thus, the use of simulation has become widespread in many health professions. Simulation, an old phenomenon, is ubiquitous in almost every fields of human endeavor. It is commonplace in fields such as military, aviation, space, Standardized patients versus simulated patients in medical education: are they the same or different

ObjectivesTo determine which professional and humanistic attributes demonstrated by teachers in the health disciplines caused them to be perceived by students as positive or negative role models. MethodsQuantitative empirical data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire by graduating students in medical, dentistry, and pharmacy schools at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. A total of 3 graduating cohorts, comprising about 220 students, were selected for this study. Surveys were distributed during January-March 2013. ResultsIn total, 183 students participated in the study. Altogether, students considered 504 and 473 academic staff as positive and negative role models (PRMs and NRMs), respectively. Women were considered more negatively than men (mean scores: -12.13 vs. -11.6, p=0.04). While clinicians were considered more positively than basic scientists (mean scores: 12.65 vs. 10.67, p=0.001), dentists received higher positive scores than physicians or pharmacists (average scores: 13.27 vs. 12.99 and 9.82). There was a significant relationship between the personality of the students and the overall characteristics of their perceived role models (β for PRMs=0.35, p<0.0001; and β for NRMs= 0.20, p= 0.039). ConclusionsHumanistic and professional attributes were proposed as major components of personal traits in perceived role models. Demonstration of humanistic attributes by teachers was strongly correlated with the students’ perception of the role models. It is suggested that the role of humanistic and professional attributes should be highlighted across medical disciplines in an effort to develop or improve role modelling by academic staff.

Context: In order to improve the quality of clinical education, it is necessary to investigate the current situation in clinical settings and identify its problems. This step is the most important part of modifying a clinical education program and meeting learning goals. The purpose of this study was to identify the challenges and problems of clinical medical education in Iran. Evidence Acquisition: This systematic review was performed to determine the challenges and problems of clinical medical education in Iran in 2017. In order to retrieve articles, the following keywords: Clinical education, bedside teaching, clinical teaching, teaching round, ward round, ward round teaching, bedside round, teaching round, medical education, clinical round, ambulatory education, clinic education, grand round, and education in emergency were searched in reliable Persian and English databases. Then, the articles related to the research objective were carefully reviewed and key information was extracted. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA software version 10. Conclusions: The problems of clinical education are in different areas. Identifying these areas and planning for them can improve clinical education status, achieve educational goals, and provide medical students with a more effective education.

BackgroundAs medical students spend most of their time with their clinical teachers and imitate their roles and characteristics during the school year, it is important to identify the roles and characteristics that they find essential in their role models. These traits play a part in their future professions as doctors.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the perspective of students, interns, and residents regarding the roles and characteristics of a clinical role model.MethodsIn an analytical cross-sectional study, a structured and self-developed questionnaire was completed by 185 medical students at educational hospitals of Kerman University of Medical Sciences during April and May 2015. Participants were selected using convenience sampling method. For data analysis, we used descriptive and inferential statistics. SPSS software version 16 was used as needed.ResultsIn total, 90 medical students (48.7%), 65 interns (35.1%), and 30 residents (16.2%) participated in this study. Male respondents (n=75) comprised 40.5% and female respondents (n=110) 59.5% of the study sample. The three most important roles of a clinical teacher were organizer role (99.7), teacher role (101.7), and supporter role (109.5) for students, interns, and residents respectively. On the other hand, supporter role (85.4), communicator role (86.4) and organizer role (83.4) were ranked as the least important for students, interns, and residents respectively. There was no significant association among the three batches and the roles of a clinical teacher (p>0.05). Conversely, Females rated the roles of a clinical teacher significantly higher than males (p<0.05).ConclusionsAs teachers are frequently perceived by students as role models in medical schools, great attention should be given to their roles. Teachers must be aware that their roles have an impact on students’ professional development and performance.