Context: Self-directed learning (SDL) is an individual’s ability to effectively use various strategies to reach his/her learning goals. We conducted this systematic review to explore the different methods, advantages, and challenges in SDL. Method: A systematic and comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was carried out using keywords such as “self-directed learning”, “self-regulated learning”, and “medical undergraduate curriculum” among articles published between 2010 and 2020. Original articles having methods, advantages, or challenges were included. The data were summarized and analyzed thematically. Results: Out of the total number of 1781 screened articles, sixteen eligible studies were included in the systematic review. Flipped classrooms, problem-based learning, case-based scenarios, video lectures, and e-learning were the commonly used methods. Self-assessment, time management, motivation, teamwork, and critical thinking were the advantages. Faculty guidance, time constraints, distraction due to technology, lack of organizational skills, and difficulty to learn complex topics were the common challenges of SDL. Conclusions: Most of the articles in recent years explain the growing interest in SDL in the medical curriculum. Despite numerous advantages of SDL, there are several challenges and limitations due to the lack of specific and defined guidelines on its implementation. Further research is required for structured methods and strategies for SDL effective implementation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relative frequency and distribution of different salivary gland lesions on Fine needle aspiration cytology, to study histopathological correlation and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of this procedure in diagnosing the lesions. Materials and Methods: A five year study was performed on salivary gland swellings in a tertiary health care center. Fine needle aspiration cytology was done and smears were stained with Leishman, Hematoxylin and eosin stains. Histopathology was done wherever possible. Cytological and histopathological correlation was done and results were statistically analyzed. Results: 100 cases were studied. Lesions were categorized into non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions. Chronic sialadenitis was the most common non- neoplastic lesion and Pleomorphic Adenoma was the commonest benign lesion. Malignant lesions reported were Adenoid Cystic carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and three cases were interpreted as positive for malignancy.38 cases were available for histopathology, out of which 34 showed positive correlation. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the present study is 94.74%, 75%, 100%, 100% and 100% respectively. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a rapid, cost-effective and safe mode of investigation for the primary categorization of salivary gland lesions into inflammatory, benign and malignant lesions. The high diagnostic accuracy and low false positive and false negative diagnosis suggests that it can be used as a first line diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of patients with various salivary gland lesions. However, histopathological diagnosis still remains the gold standard.