Preceptors play an indispensable role in shaping the future of healthcare. They bridge theoretical learning and practical clinical expertise in a rapidly evolving medical education landscape. Their influence extends beyond knowledge transfer, embodying the values, attitudes, and professionalism essential to competent medical practice. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory posits that individuals learn through observation and modelling. Applying this theory supports the assumption that trainees acquire skills and professional norms by observing preceptor behaviour, a process known as vicarious learning. They transmit clinical competencies, ethical standards, and interpersonal skills critical for patient-centred care. Despite their significance, challenges such as increasing workloads, diverse trainee needs, and the complexities of modern healthcare often impede their ability to mentor effectively. Preceptors shape trainees’ professional identities and ethical standards, which are significantly influenced by the hidden curriculum, the set of unspoken or implicit lessons conveyed outside the formal curriculum. Globally, there is growing recognition of the need to support and enhance the role of preceptors in medical education. Due to several challenges, some factors might prevent preceptors from maintaining their role model status, including the need for experience, continuous learning, and adaptation to diverse trainee needs. Strategies such as engaging in reflective practices and implementing effective stress management techniques are crucial for preceptors to navigate these barriers and uphold their status. However, few studies have synthesised the various dimensions of preceptor influence, including role modelling, communication skills, and the hidden curriculum. This review aims to fill this gap by exploring the variable role of preceptors in shaping medical trainees’ professional development. It highlights the theoretical underpinnings of preceptorship, discusses the challenges preceptors face, and proposes evidence-based strategies to enhance their impact on future healthcare professionals.

The prevalence of chronic daily headache (CDH) worldwide is 4–5%. Treatment for CDH with prophylaxis and abortive medications is often delayed, increasing disease severity. Consequently, increased usage of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics can lead to medication overuse headache (MOH). This study aimed to assess factors affecting OTC analgesic overuse causing headaches. Methodology: A cross-sectional structured survey was conducted using voluntary response sampling. Among 1177 respondents, 459 individuals with headache were enrolled in the study. Results: Most participants were female (73.5%), almost half were aged 20–39 years (48.1%), and over half used OTC analgesics (56%). A significant association was found between OTC analgesic overuse and factors, such as chronic disease (p = 0.007), working status (p = 0.015), smoking (p = 0.02), headache frequency >15 days per month (p = 0.000), migraine-type headache (p = 0.01), preventive medicine use (p = 0.018), and emergency department visit (p = 0.018). Conclusion: OTC analgesic overuse among individuals with headache is affected by several factors, including the presence of chronic diseases, working status, smoking, and migraine-type headaches. However, preventive medicine and emergency department visits were considered to have protective effects. Health care providers should screen patients for MOH, increase their awareness, and follow MOH guidelines to treat chronic headache.

Medical education has seen a shift toward interactive teaching in small groups that actively involves students in learning. However, didactic teaching, despite drawbacks such as student isolation and low stimulation of critical thinking, is still a very commonly used teaching method. For didactic teaching to be effective, teachers must possess strategies and skills that enable them to teach effectively in large groups and increase students' knowledge retention. This can be achieved if class sessions are planned in advance with the aim of making them interactive and engaging with all students. In the following article, I write about my experiences using the CASCADE method, an acronym of the words "create," "assess," "sequence," "charisma," "activate," "discussion," and "e-device," which creates interactive didactic sessions.

Background: Herbal medicine is integral to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to improve the healthcare system and promote alternative practices while ensuring safety through education and research. This study aims to evaluate medical students' knowledge and perceptions regarding herbal medicine in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in three medical colleges in Saudi Arabia over a six-month period from 1 February to 31 July 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the participants' characteristics, and categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. A chi-square test was used to test the relationships between variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance. Results: In total, 592 participants were included in the study. Females represented 65.7% of the participants. While 72.6% of the students agreed that medical students lack proper knowledge about the use of herbal medicines, 64.9% preferred having an elective course in complementary medicine (including herbal medicine). Also, 40.9% of students use herbal medicine believing they do not require expert knowledge and can safely experiment with various herbs, and 22.3% use it because they perceive it as having no side effects due to its natural ingredients. The most reported sources of information included family and friends (53.2%), whereas traditional herbalists (Attar) were the most reported sources of herbs (49.3%). The most used herbs among medical students were ginger (83%), turmeric (48.1%), chamomile (46.3%), and myrrh (26.5%). Only 37.7% of students who used herbs had an overall good knowledge and perception of them (P = 0.001). Gender showed a significant relationship with herb use among the students: 95.4% of female students used herbs, compared with 92.6% of male students (P = 0.049). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of medical students demonstrated insufficient knowledge and perception regarding the use of herbal medicine. To improve their understanding, it is essential to integrate comprehensive courses, organize workshops led by experts, promote research and clinical experiences, and establish patient education initiatives.

Primary headaches are more prevalent and associated with several risk factors, such as chronic diseases, unhealthy lifestyles, smoking, caffeine intake, work, and stress. However, these factors are not associated with specific headache disorders. We investigated the prevalence of primary headache disorders and the associated risk factors in Makkah. This cross-sectional study, conducted over a 6-month period, used an anonymous survey disseminated through online platforms. The questionnaire was a modified version of a validated questionnaire used to assess headaches in relation to modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. In total, 1177 participants aged 18–65 (mean, 31.5 ± 12.6) years were included. Headaches were diagnosed among 44.2% of participants aged 20–59 years, with a high prevalence among young adults; additionally, 71.5% of participants with headaches reported experiencing headaches for <15 days per month. Chronic headaches were found in 28.5% of participants. Age, chronic diseases, work, caffeine consumption, and smoking were associated with having a significant effect on headache prevalence. The prevalence of headaches in Makkah has increased in comparison to that reported in previous studies. Certain modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors have been associated with headaches. Headaches impact all life aspects of individuals and communities. An educational program for professionals and patients can improve patient outcomes.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, chronic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and cognitive difficulties. Occupational and psychosocial