EKSPLORASI PENGALAMAN MAHASISWA TAHUN PERTAMA PROGRAM STUDI PENDIDIKAN KEDOKTERAN UNIVERSITAS BORNEO TARAKAN DALAM MENGIKUTI KEGIATAN PAPARAN KOMUNITAS DINI
Ingolda Nadaa Nabiilah, dr. Yoyo Suhoyo, M.Med.Ed., Ph.D. ; Prof. dr. Titi Savitri Prihatiningsih, MA., M.MedEd., Ph.D
2025 | Tesis | S2 Ilmu Pendidikan Kedokteran
ABSTRACT
Background: Early Community Exposure (ECE) is an instructional approach embedded in the medical education curriculum, designed to introduce students to the realities of public health practice from the outset of their training. By integrating classroom-based theoretical learning with direct field experiences, students are encouraged to understand the social, cultural, and environmental determinants that influence community health. This approach aims to lay the foundation for professional competence while fostering empathy and social sensitivity from an early stage.
Objectives: This study aims to explore in depth the experiences of first-year medical students at the Universitas Borneo Tarakan (UBT) in participating in ECE activities, as well as to examine the challenges and learning impacts encountered during their engagement in the program.
Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, involving first-year medical students who actively participated in ECE activities in the city of Tarakan. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and emerging themes from the participants’ narratives. The study received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee for Medical and Health Research at Universitas Borneo Tarakan and was conducted in accordance with established ethical principles for qualitative research.
Results: Thematic analysis of student perceptions revealed 7 themes derived from 66 codes. These findings indicate that ECE functions not only as an academically effective learning strategy but also as a transformative experience that contributes to personal growth and professional identity formation. Further analysis of challenges and barriers identified 5 themes based on 24 codes, highlighting the complex dynamics students face in early clinical exposure, including psychological, academic, social, and structural dimensions. Additionally, the impact analysis of ECE activities produced 8 themes synthesized from 37 codes, demonstrating significant contributions to the development of professional skills, enhanced empathy, and increased motivation and engagement in learning.
Conclusion: ECE has a positive impact on the development of communication skills, empathy, and learning motivation among first-year medical students at UBT. However, students also encounter several challenges, such as shyness, lack of self-confidence, and difficulties in community interaction. Overall, this activity plays a crucial role in shaping students' social awareness and strengthening their professional character early in their medical education journey.
Kata Kunci : Early community exposure, medical education, student experiences and challenges, communication skills, empathy, learning motivation