Oregon Medical School Reforms and Broadens Its Curriculum
From 1990 to 1997, the School of Medicine of the Oregon Health Sciences University (now the Oregon Health & Science University) revised its curriculum so that it more strongly emphasizes ethical and societal concerns, humanism in the patient-doctor relationship, the importance of preventive medicine, care of the underserved, and independent, self-directed learning by students.
The project was part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Preparing Physicians for the Future: A Program in Medical Education national program.
Key Results
- The school implemented a new curriculum, consisting of:
- Clinical preceptorship experience early in the first year.
- Interdisciplinary basic science courses.
- Reduced lecture time.
- Integration of basic and clinical sciences throughout the curriculum.
- Increased experiences in primary and ambulatory care.
- An expanded elective opportunity providing individual enrichment.
- A reorganization of the Dean's Office resulted in increased personnel to support the educational program.
- Central medical school administration emphasized the importance of teaching with bonuses and promotion incentives.