Table 2.

Medium-term impact-thematic analysis of reflective narratives by the students

Theme	Subtheme	Verbatim quotes
Main learning from ROP	Determinants of health and disease	“Lack of awareness, superstitions, illiteracy hamper people accessing health care services before it is too late”
		“Some families still follow certain beliefs and practices that may be harmful to their health”
		“Enlightened me about the availability of highly nutritious food items that can be easily prepared at home”
		“Economic status of the people and the difficulties faced by them in obtaining medical care”
	Social organizations	“There are many social groups which help to promote health among villagers”
		“I learnt about the role of the panchayat for health in the community”
		“Importance of grass root level health workers in promoting and maintaining the health of the community”
Implications of learnings from ROP	More empathy toward patients	“In future when we become doctors we will have a better picture of rural area and the difficulties that people have to face to get proper health care”
		“To become a good doctor, it is necessary to be simple, humble and polite. I can now relate to the patient on a much deeper level and create good doctor patient relationship”
		“To be more caring, compassionate and understanding toward patients, especially the poor. I will be able to put myself in the shoes of my patients and to understand the patient’s side of the story and make better decisions to help them”
	Holistic care to patients	“I will be able to tell the people about the various governmental health schemes”
		“Being a tap turner and finding out the root cause of diseases. As future doctors we have to not only cure diseases but also prevent diseases”
		“To be cost-effective in prescribing treatment”

ROP: Rural Orientation Program