The Essential Medical Foundation Skills (EMFS) course is a pivotal component of the first-year curriculum, spanning one semester (10 credit hours) and introducing students to the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach while providing a solid foundation in various medical sciences. The course commences with an induction week dedicated to orientation, where students receive an overview of PBL and acquire fundamental communication skills necessary for interacting with patients during Early Clinical Experience (ECE) sessions. Additionally, students embark on their Personal and Professional Development (PPD) journey, documenting their progress in a PPD portfolio with guidance from a dedicated Tutor for Personal and Professional Development (TPPD) and tutors overseeing group-based PPD activities.Following the induction week, the EMFS course is structured into six PBL cases, each extending over two weeks to allow students ample time to adapt to the PBL process. These cases serve as units designed to facilitate the attainment of specific Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs), providing distinct learning contexts and guiding students through PBL sessions to explore and comprehend essential concepts.Throughout the course, students are introduced to fundamental skills and knowledge pertinent to biomedical fields, preparing them for subsequent courses. This includes mastering basic terminology across various disciplines and understanding elementary physiological and pharmacological processes. The EMFS course offers introductory-level exposure to various medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pathology, laying the groundwork for more advanced studies in these disciplines during subsequent years of medical education. 1. Anatomy: Students receive an introduction to the study of the structure and organization of the human body. This introductory exposure covers basic anatomical terminology, the different systems of the body, and the relationships between various structures, providing a foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of anatomy in the future. 2. Physiology: The course offers an introductory overview of the functions and processes that occur within the human body. Students gain a basic understanding of physiological concepts, such as homeostasis, cellular processes, and the workings of various organ systems, preparing them for more in-depth studies of physiology in subsequent years 3. Microbiology: Students are introduced to the world of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They learn about the basic characteristics, classification, and roles of these microbes in causing and preventing diseases, serving as a foundation for further exploration of microbiology in relation to infectious diseases and immunology. 4. Pathology: The EMFS course provides an introduction to the study of disease processes. Students gain a basic understanding of the causes, mechanisms, and manifestations of various pathological conditions, preparing them for more advanced studies in pathology, which are crucial for understanding the diagnosis and management of diseases. The course covers medical terminology, equipping students with the necessary vocabulary and language skills for effective communication in the healthcare field. The PBL methodology involves presenting students with real-world scenarios and case studies, encouraging them to apply knowledge, think critically, and develop problem-solving abilities. This interactive learning experience reinforces theoretical concepts while fostering teamwork, communication, and self-directed learning skills essential for medical professionals.