AETCOM Role-Play Competition Conducted for the MBBS Phase II (2024 Batch) by the Department of Microbiology

The Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Khaja Bandanawaz University (KBNU), successfully organized an AETCOM (Attitude, Ethics and Communication) Role Play Competition for MBBS Phase II students (2024 Batch), highlighting the significance of ethics, professionalism, empathy, and effective communication in medical practice on 3^rd July 2026 at 10 am.

The programme commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Syeda Firdaus Nusheen, Senior Resident, Dept of Microbiologywho introduced the event and extended a cordial welcome to the Chief Guest, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and students. The inaugural session included the felicitation of the dignitaries.

1. Dr. Guruprasad K. Y., Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, KBNU, was felicitated by Dr. Siddesh B. Sirwar, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology

2. Dr. Sushma D. S., Medical Education Unit Coordinator, Faculty of Medical Sciences, KBNU, was felicitated by Dr. Arshiya Tazeen, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology.

The academic session began with an introduction by Dr. Syeda Firdaus Nusheen, Senior Resident, Department of Microbiology & Mentor of Group A to the first role play presented by Group A, titled "Demonstration of Respect Towards Patient Samples." The students effectively portrayed two contrasting scenarios. The first illustrated the consequences of failing to adhere to standard protocols while handling patient samples, whereas the second highlighted how strict compliance with protocols and respectful handling of patient specimens contribute to enhanced patient safety, diagnostic accuracy, patient trust, and overall quality of healthcare. The performance emphasized the importance of professionalism, accountability, and ethical responsibility in laboratory practice.

This was followed by an introduction from Dr. Haafiza Begum,Senior Resident, Department of Microbiology & Mentor of Group Bto the second role play presented by Group B on Demonstration of Confidentiality pertaining to Patient Reports." Through a compelling enactment, the students demonstrated how a single breach of patient confidentiality could have far-reaching emotional, social, and professional consequences for an individual. The presentation effectively reinforced the ethical obligation of healthcare professionals to safeguard patient privacy and maintain the trust placed in them by patients.

The role play was followed by an insightful address by Dr. Siddesh B. Sirwar, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiologyappreciating the efforts of the organizing team, mentors, and students. He emphasized that ethics, confidentiality, empathy, professionalism, and effective communication are indispensable attributes of a competent medical professional and are fundamental to delivering safe and patient-centred healthcare.

The prize distribution ceremony was conducted by Dr. Syeda Firdaus Nusheen.

The prizes were presented by

1.      Dr. Sushma D. S., Medical Education Unit Coordinator

2.      Dr. Siddesh B. Sirwar, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology

3.      Dr. Pratima Sambrani, Professor, Department of Pathology

4.      Dr. Vardhamane, Professor, Department of Pharmacology

5.      Dr. Mandakini B, Professor, Department of Pathology

6.      Dr. Bilal Ahmad Mir, Professor, Department of Microbiology

7.      Dr. Mohsin Ahmad, Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology.

The results of the competition were:

• First Prize: Group B for Demonstration of confidentiality pertaining to patients results

• Second Prize: Group A for Demonstration of Respect to patient’s samples

  
  

Dr. Guruprasad K. Y., Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dr. Sushma D. S., Medical Education Unit Coordinator, Heads of Departments, and faculty members appreciated the Department of Microbiology for organizing an innovative and impactful academic programme. They commended the enthusiastic participation and commendable performances of the students and emphasized that AETCOM-based learning is an integral component of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME), fostering the development of compassionate, ethical, and patient-centred healthcare professionals. They further highlighted that experiential learning through role plays enhances ethical reasoning, communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, and decision-making, while effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life clinical practice.

The programme highlighted the core principles of the AETCOM curriculum by providing students with an opportunity to experience ethical dilemmas in simulated clinical settings and reflect on appropriate professional conduct. Through interactive learning, the event reinforced that respecting patient samples, maintaining confidentiality, communicating with empathy, and adhering to ethical standards are fundamental responsibilities of every healthcare professional.

The key take-home message of the programme was that technical competence alone is not sufficient to become a good doctor; ethical values, respect for patient dignity, confidentiality, empathy, professionalism, and effective communication are equally essential for delivering safe, compassionate, and patient-centred healthcare. The role plays demonstrated that every action and decision of a healthcare professional has a direct impact on patient trust, treatment outcomes, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Syeda Firdaus Nusheen, who expressed her sincere gratitude to the Dean, dignitaries, faculty members, judges, organizing committee, and students for their valuable support and enthusiastic participation, making the event a grand success. The event served as an excellent platform for MBBS Phase II students to internalize the principles of ethics and professionalism, inspiring them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, compassion, and patient care throughout their medical careers.