Introduction: Scientific Olympiads aim to evaluate the level of creativity,
problem-solving skills, ability to reasoning, decision- making and team working
skills among the participants. Talented students can be recognized by Olympiads
to provide them more focused mentorship and training. This study aims to
evaluate the quality and content of the 4th Medical Student' Scientific
Olympiad (Med Olympiad) in Iran.
Methods: This cross -sectional study was conducted in 2012-2013 on the
participants of the 4th Med Olympiad of Iran. The research sample was selected
by census. Data collection was performed by a researcher-made questionnaire validated
by the investigators.
Results: Among the 320 participants from four groups, 61 students (27%) reported
the coaching activities of their university high and very high, 76 students
(34%) moderate and 88 students (39%) low and very low. The quality of Med Olympiad
competition reported 3.1/5±1 and the achievmnet of goals was reported 3.1±1.
There was a significant correlation between the level of preparedness in medical
universities and ranking of the university (P=0.001). There was no significant
correlation between age, sex, academic grade, education, the domain in which
the students participated, preparedness level, quality of the competition and
access to Med Olympiad goals (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Preparation of universities, quality of Med Olympiad and achieving
the goals were area for improvements for the next Med Olympiad.
