Objective: To assess the effect of using a 3-D atlas on academic performance and compare it with the use of power point presentations during online lectures for gross anatomy of the head. Study Design: Comparative prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, Dental College, Heavy Industries Taxila Education City Institute of Medical Sciences, Taxila Pakistan, from Jun to Jul 2020. Methodology: Forty-nine students from first year BDS were selected through nonprobability convenience sampling. They were assigned to two groups, A and B comprising of 25 and 24 students respectively. Group A was taught gross anatomy of head region via Zoom lectures employing a digital three-dimensional anatomy atlas application (Visual body, 2019). Group B was exposed to only two-dimensional pictures through presentations during their lectures. Ten teaching sessions were conducted with post session MCQ based assessments. One comprehensive assessment was conducted at the completion of the region. Results were compared for both groups. Results: The mean scores for three of the post session assessment tests were higher for group A (15.72 ± 2.03, 15.28 ± 2.79, 16.92 ± 2.13) as compared to that of group B (14.64 ± 3.42, 13.66 ± 3.00, 15.04 ± 3.01) (p<0.05). Similarly, the mean score for comprehensive assessment for group A (35.36 ± 6.02) was also more than that of group B (31.41 ± 6.88) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Three-dimensional viewing of structures led to better academic performance as compared to that of presentations with two dimensional pictures.

Objective: To investigate the experience of timely thesis completion by the graduates of the Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) program in Pakistan.Study Design: Qualitative interpretative study design.Settings: Riphah University Islamabad and HITEC-IMS Taxila.Duration: May 2018 to June 2019.Materials and Methods: Data was collected by semi-structured interviews. All interviews were carried out in person. Detailed notes were taken, and conversations were audio-recorded. Three authors analyzed data independently using iterative thematic analysis. Inconsistencies were resolved through discussion.Results: Two major themes out of five were identified: Intrinsic attributes of the graduates and the role of the supervisor. including sub-themes of intrinsic motivation, self-regulation, age of the participant, supervisor-trainee relationship, supervisor’s availability, supervisor’s commitment, personality traits of the supervisor. Periods of face-to-face contact sessions were considered to increase internal motivation during which participants believe to have greater self-regulation. Positive relationship with a committed supervisor who was readily available and had a friendly, yet professional attitude aided in the completion of the thesis on time while a supervisor lacking these traits posed challenges for the graduates.Conclusion: Several factors were identified which influenced thesis completion among the graduates of MHPE in Pakistan. The five major ones consisted of the following, 1) Research Project-Related Problems; 2) Support System; 3) Supervisor Guidance; 4) Attributes of the Researcher; 5) Conducive Research Environment. These results can help influence policies to evaluate and improve this program.

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