Students' lived experiences in a lower-ranked Medical College, KPK: A qualitative study.

Abstract

Objective: To understand students' experiences in a lower-ranked medical college in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and to identify their emotional reactions, academic and social adaptations and coping mechanisms to deal with academic stress. Study Design: Phenomenological Qualitative study. Setting: Period: January to March 2025. Methods: we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten undergraduates of medical college. Manual thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The study was designed in line with the COREQ guidelines. Results: Initially, students felt disappointment and a sense of failure but eventually adapted academically and socially through resilient coping strategies. Some participants felt the quality of education did not match their expectations, but others noted that hard work was more important than university ranking. Longitudinally, there was a greater emphasis on postgraduate education for future careers. The role of peer, faculty and family support were crucial for student success. Conclusion: This research sheds light on the complex emotional and academic experiences of students in "lower-tier" medical colleges. Students in lower-ranked medical colleges can fulfil their potential with the right institutional support, mentorship and career guidance programs, independent of the rank of their college.