New pathways in general medical education

Article Abstract:

Because medicine is changing rapidly, there is an increasing need to modify medical education with respect to its concepts and organization. Scientific discoveries are influencing the philosophy of health and disease, producing new forms of technology, and altering the relation between the physician and society in terms of increased patient expectations of medical services. The goals of medical education should shift from the preoccupation with general knowledge to the development of attitudes and skills. Some ways in which students can be encouraged to assume responsibility for their learning are suggested. Medical education should require the active participation of the student. Small groups would be more advantageous in education because they concentrate on the student rather than the faculty member, and increase the experience of working together. Problem solving should become an essential part of the learning process. Basic and clinical sciences must be integrated in order to train students to act scientifically when they practice medicine. Finally, students should have the opportunity to study subjects that they are particularly interested in. In order for medical education to be reformed, there must be interaction and collaboration between various groups which participate in any aspect of the medical education process. Harvard Medical School has developed the New Pathway program, which incorporates many of the changes in medical education described above. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Curricula, Medical colleges, Medical schools

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New pathways for medical education

Article Abstract:

A recent survey showed that medical educators perceive a need for change in the medical education system. The medical education system is currently under review because of underlying rapid changes in the conceptual structure and organization of medical practice. These changes result from increased knowledge about the physics, chemistry, and biology of man; human health and disease; the genetic basis of clinical disorders; the relation of cellular and chemical disorders to certain syndromes; and molecular actions of microorganisms. Advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease have resulted in increased specialization within medical practice, the growth of the medical and health care industry, and increased involvement of private and public third-party insurers and employers in health care. Because patients are now more willing to litigate, legal aspects of medical practice have become important. New developments in molecular biology have raised ethical issues. Although the amount of medical information has increased, the duration of education and capacity of medical students to store knowledge has not changed. In addition, faculty tend to focus on teaching their own individual subspecialties. The conceptual and organizational reasons for resistance of US medical schools to change the curriculum are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

United States, Surveys, Medical school faculty, Medical teaching personnel, editorial

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Raising the passing grade for studies of medical education

Article Abstract:

Medical schools may want to add a course on interpersonal communication so medical students can learn to communicate well with their patients. A study published in 2003 found that such a class can increase the students' communication skills. This study illustrates the challenges of evaluating educational interventions.

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities, Personnel administration, Administration of Education Programs, Educational Research & Development, Education Research & Statistics, Editorial, Medical students, Training, Study and teaching, Interpersonal communication, Educational research

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