Design and Implementation of the Curriculum in a New Medical School

Design and Implementation of the Curriculum in a New Medical SchoolAbstract This paper traces the development of a new undergraduate curriculum in medicine, from its inception to the end of the first year of operation. The curriculum integrates the basic and clinical sciences through the study of a series of clinical problems which students tackle in small groups. Selection of appropriate clinical problems allows the curriculum to be flexible and to respond to changing health needs in society; student work in small groups emphasises the development of interpersonal skills and encourages staff‐student contact. The paper highlights the principles which have underpinned curriculum development and identifies areas of concern to the Faculty.