Medical interns' view of their undergraduate medical education in Uppsala: an alumnus study with clear attitude differences between women and men.

BACKGROUND: An alumni study of graduates from the medical school in Uppsala, was performed to give input into an ongoing reform process. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate how medical interns view their undergraduate medical education and the extent to which they felt that the curriculum prepared them for their current positions.
METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was sent out via mail in 2005 to all past graduates who had qualified in Uppsala in 2003.
RESULTS: Replies were obtained from 69 of 102 students (68%). The most apparent suggested change of the education was increased integration of preclinical and clinical teaching. Correlations were found between student satisfaction with the medical school and perceived teacher attitude, encouragement to reflect, and the graduates' perception of having sufficient practical abilities. Significant gender differences were found regarding perceived clinical ability and concerning feedback and encouragement from the teachers.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest more direct feedback from the teachers and more integration between basic sciences and clinical education. Female and male students may have different needs. A key question is therefore to encourage teachers to learn about gender since female and male students should equally experience respectful encounters with teachers and doctors acting as role models.