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Journal of Medical Education

Abstract

Medical school education has changed dramatically over the last 40 years. Not only have advances of medical knowledge changed the curriculum, but pressures from government, society, and medical students have also changed the curriculum. The medical curriculum has shifted from one strictly tracked and heavily scientific to one that offers more flexibility and incorporates more humanistic aspects of medicine. This report focuses on the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) School of Medicine's first-and second-year curriculum. The report shows Penn's continuing attempts to change its curriculum to one that fulfills the needs of the medical community today. Penn's curriculum incorporates some social sciences, following the trend of medical schools throughout the years, but Penn's drive to get students into the clinical setting is favored by students and puts Penn ahead in adopting reforms. Proposed reforms by Penn will put Penn even closer to the cutting edge in terms of getting students into clinics faster. Interviews with Penn students reveal that they are generally satisfied with Penn's curriculum. While enjoying aspects of education such as the clinical experience, they do see areas needing reform in the curriculum. The need for reform is far from over for Penn's medical curriculum, but it has addressed changes which help students be better prepared for the current medical climate.

First Page

135

Last Page

146

DOI

10.6145/jme.199906_3(2).0002

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