Medical students’ perceptions of the post-COVID-19 educational environment in Oman

The COVID-19 pandemic forced medical schools to switch to online learning, affecting students' knowledge, skills, and social relationships. As students return to campus, it is important to assess how the pandemic influenced students’ learning experiences and improved their in-person learning environments. This study utilized a qualitative approach to examine how medical students perceived their medical education environment (MEE) post-COVID-19 pandemic. Preclinical and clinical students across a 6-year Doctor of Medicine program were interviewed, and the data were analyzed thematically. The results suggested that the students felt more connected and supported by their peers and teachers after returning to campus. They appreciated the opportunities to apply their knowledge in interactive and collaborative ways, such as working in teams, participating in patient care, and developing empathy. Some learners faced difficulties in managing their study time and curricular load. A few students still struggled with balancing their studies and personal lives and needed more access to student support and wellness services. The pandemic created challenges within the MEE space, but also opportunities for recalibration and improvement. The study findings highlight the need to develop frameworks that enable tracking multi-level MEE interactions in the post-COVID-19 situation and evaluate interventions targeted at identified areas of concern. Implications from this research highlight the importance of considering contextualized models to help in transforming the pandemic into a positive force for improving MEE across the medical education continuum. We suggest that medical schools use the innovations that emerged during the pandemic and balance them with interactive learning activities that align with the medical profession's values.