Comparative Evaluation of a Leadership Skills Module among Male and Female Junior MBBS Students in a West Bengal Medical College

Background: A competent Indian medical graduate must fulfill five roles: clinician, leader and member of the health-care team, communicator, lifelong learner, and professional. Leadership and management skills are essential for physicians to take responsibility as team leaders. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a leadership skills module among male and female junior MBBS students in a medical college in West Bengal. Methodology and Participants: This observational cross-sectional study included male and female junior MBBS students, following institutional ethical clearance and informed consent. Students were divided into eight groups, provided with recorded YouTube videos, and participated in live interactive sessions and a fishbowl game to demonstrate leadership skills. Three online questionnaires assessed leadership skills, personality types, and leadership styles. Feedback was collected from students. Data were analyzed and compared between male and female students. Results: Out of 257 students who completed all tasks, personality types were assessed: ENFJ was the most common among males (25%), while ESTP and INFP were the least common (0.65% each). Among females, INFJ and INTJ were the most common (19.23% each), and ESTJ and ESFJ were the least common (0.96% each). Leadership scores (mean standard deviation) for males: authoritative 7 +/- 2.30, democratic 9 +/- 2.06, facilitative 9 +/- 1.94, situational 9 +/- 1.93, and leadership skills 65.05 +/- 15.33. For females: authoritative 7 +/- 2.21, democratic 9 +/- 1.77, facilitative 9 +/- 1.31, situational 9 +/- 1.65, and leadership skills 64.15 +/- 14.87. No significant differences were found between male and female students in these scores. Conclusion: Workshops on leadership skills improved student motivation and made learning enjoyable. Students were satisfied with the leadership skills taught, and the study increased awareness about leadership skills among students.