Introduction to Clinical Posting at RMLIMS Lucknow

Clinical postings are a crucial part of medical education, providing aspiring doctors with hands-on experience in various medical fields. For the second-year medical students at RMLIMS Lucknow, the experience varies widely across different departments. This article delves into the practical aspects of clinical postings, academic infrastructure, and living conditions at RMLIMS Lucknow.

Departments and Posting Experiences

The primary clinical posting departments at RMLIMS Lucknow include Medicine, Surgery, Ob-Gyn, and Psychiatric Medicine (PSM). Other departments such as Orthopedics, Dermatology, TB, and Chest Medicine are also included, though for a shorter duration.

Medicine Department

The Medicine Department manages to conduct its clinical postings at Lohiya Hospital, despite RMLIMS not owning a hospital. Despite this, the teaching staff is highly qualified and the experience for the students is enriching.

Surgery Department

The Surgery Department at RMLIMS Lucknow presents a stark contrast. Posting is conducted in a conference hall rather than the operating theater. Students are not allowed to see actual surgeries even after the two-month posting, which is a common practice in other medical colleges. The department strictly enforces attendance, often scolding students who do not attend the posts in person.

PSM Department

The PSM Department at RMLIMS Lucknow is serious about its postings. With the support of the institute's administration, they manage to arrange a field trip using a bus. The faculty is dedicated to ensuring that each student gets the best possible experience.

Ob-Gyn Department

The first Ob-Gyn posting is often given less importance due to logistical challenges. The hospital is approximately 9 km away, and transport arrangements are not reliable. However, in the final post, the department is able to conduct the posting at Lohiya Hospital after arranging better transportation.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The academic and practical infrastructure at RMLIMS Lucknow is a mix of availability and shortcomings. While the academic block and lecture theatre are visually appealing, they lack air conditioning. The practical classes for the second-year batch are held in the histology, anatomy, and biochemistry labs, but these labs are not yet fully functional.

Hostels

The hostels for male students are fully air-conditioned and very similar to budget hotels. However, since the 18th batch, each student is being allocated a room with two others. Female students do not have air conditioning but can use their own coolers. The campus lacks adequate spaces for outdoor and indoor activities, including only a single badminton court that is shared by various groups.

Campus Facilities and Health Services

While the campus has dedicated faculty, it lacks basic facilities like an auditorium and a field. Additionally, students do not receive free healthcare or immunization against serious diseases like hepatitis. Moreover, the mess service, which is compulsory, often leaves students unsatisfied. Many students prefer to arrange their own food and avoid the mess altogether due to the substandard quality, especially without eggs in their diet.

Attendance and Financial Considerations

Maintaining 75% attendance is mandatory, and any deviation can result in financial penalties. Students are expected to be present for clinical postings, even outside of regular class hours, to ensure the completion of the mandatory attendance.

Conclusion

While RMLIMS Lucknow offers solid academic foundations and dedicated faculty, there are significant gaps in the practical and logistical aspects of medical education. The need for better infrastructure and more practical exposure is critical for students to gain the full benefit of their clinical postings and ultimately excel in their medical careers.

Keywords: RMLIMS Lucknow, Clinical Posting, Medical Education