Assessment of education quality of basic sciences based on medical students' perspective

Introduction: Promoting education quality requires persistent assessment of the current situations in education, identifying the strengths, and improving the weaknesses. The aim of this study was to assess current situation in basic sciences education based on the viewpoints of medical students. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on all medical students. A questionnaire including five domain of educational program, physical facilities, teaching methods and medical ethics, were distributed among medical students. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Although students were satisfied with faculty punctuality, ethics, mastering scientific concept, proper use of time, sequence in contents and ability of leadership, but hours of class, low ability of the faculty members to increase the students motivations, lower activity in allocating enough time to solve students' problems, lack of participation in discussion, lack of effective use of education facilities in teaching were the weaknesses of the system. Our findings showed that passing the basic sciences level, could not change their attitude toward physician's roles and responsibilities, human dignity, justice, bringing benefit to others. Conclusion: Despite the considerable strengths of basic science education, it is essential to have new policies and executive plans for implementation of national standards in medical education program. To achieve the quality improvement in education, supporting the education authorities is highly recommended.