Impact of Military Medicine Training on the Perception and Future Performance of Graduates from National Defence University of Malaysia: A Questionnaire Study

Background: The integration of Military Medicine into medical undergraduate programme in National Defence University of Malaysia {NDUM)has shaped the landscape of the formal existing framework of medical education, creating a platform to enhance feasibility of doctors to work effectively in austere environment and towards interagency collaboration between military and civilian.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the impact of Military Medicine training on NDUM medical graduate’s perception and their future performance in the categories of (i) personal and professional development, (ii) as a platform for future military-civilian cooperation, (iii) readiness to participate in future military-civilian cooperation: Knowledge, Skills and Attitude.

Methods: This is a quantitative research design, conducted among six batches of graduates to explore the impact of Military Medicine training on their perception and future performance. The non-probability purposive sampling method was used, and medical graduates have responded to the online structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed using snow ball techniques through online Google form. Informed consent was taken from the responders.

Results: A total of 90 medical graduates responded to the study. The participation pool included military doctors (44, 48.9%) and civilian doctors (46, 51.1%). The study feedback shows that most graduates viewed that their participation in the Military Medicine courses has positively affected their personal development (84, 93.3%), work performance (84, 93.3%) and personality (77, 85.6%); and 84 (93.3%) opined that Military Medicine courses is useful for their career progression. The participants’ feedback highlighted that the training has enhanced their perceptions (89, 98.9%) and is a very useful platform for future military-civilian cooperation in Malaysia (72,80%). Amongst important values that graduates have gained from their participation in Military Medicine training are teamwork, esprit de corps and cooperation, perseverance and mental readiness and new experiences in providing care beyond comfort zone of hospital settings.

Conclusion: NDUM medical graduates have benefited positively from the Military Medicine module and enhanced their perception toward military-civilian cooperation.