Building expertise using the deliberate practice curriculum-planning model

This article reviews critical shortcomings of the current system for the education of physicians. The authors propose and describe a deliberate practice curriculum-planning model for educating healthcare professionals to respond to the demands of modern healthcare. The model integrates contemporary educational philosophies, creating the curricular framework outlined as follows: (1) determine the overall competencies expected of learners at graduation from the program; (2) for program components, develop outcome-based objectives that stem from the overall competencies; (3) to fulfill the objectives, design appropriate content using a variety of learner-centered instructional methods; (4) stimulate acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes through practice accompanied by formative assessment, reflection, and mentoring; (5) establish milestones for summative assessment accompanied by feedback, reflection, and mentoring.