Requiring attendance is good for attitude

Editor - I teach biochemistry to first year medical students in a college in southern India. In our medical school, students are expected to maintain a minimum of 80% attendance in every subject to be eligible for university exams.¹ We tell them that the 20% margin is to cover any sickness or other genuine reasons for absence, but they need to submit a medical certificate from a consultant of our hospital.

The medical profession demands a lot of self discipline from doctors, and the best time to adapt to this lifestyle is in college. This does not mean that medical students cannot have a life outside medicine. While maintaining a tight schedule it is entirely possible to find time for other activities. Many successful medical professionals are always involved in social activities outside their work time.

We encourage our students to attend every single class, tutorial, or practical because each one is an opportunity to learn something new. They should not aim to attend only 80% of the classes because then they may not be able to make it due to situations beyond their control. If they aim for 100%, achieving the minimum requirement is easier. Requiring attendance is a positive measure rather than one that encourages students to become liars. Maintaining self discipline in attendance is only a small beginning for a fresh medical student, but it can make a big positive difference to their attitude as a doctor.

1. Medical schools: the makings of a liar. studentBMJ 2005;13:175. (April.)