I'll conduct a more thorough analysis of this curriculum document:
Document Structure & Organization
Three Main Sections:
- Section 1: Global competencies for Indian Medical Graduate (extracted from GMR 2018)
- Section 2: Subject-wise outcomes ("sub-competencies") organized in tables
- Section 3: Sample topics for alignment & integration across phases
Detailed Curriculum Framework
National Goals (2.1)
The IMG should:
- Recognize "health for all" as a national goal and health right
- Learn and implement national health policies
- Achieve competence in holistic medicine (promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative)
- Develop scientific temper and promote healthy living
- Become exemplary citizens through medical ethics and social obligations
Institutional Goals (2.2)
The IMG should be competent to:
- Diagnose and manage common health problems at primary/secondary/tertiary levels
- Practice preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative medicine
- Understand therapeutic modalities and essential drugs administration
- Appreciate socio-psychological, cultural, economic, environmental factors affecting health
- Pursue continued self-learning and research
- Implement National Health Programs (Family Welfare, MCH, Sanitation, Disease Control, Immunization, Health Education, IPHS, Bio-medical waste disposal)
- Acquire basic management skills (human resources, materials, resource management)
- Identify and resolve community health problems
- Work as leading partner in healthcare teams with communication proficiency
- Work in variety of healthcare settings
- Demonstrate personal integrity, responsibility, and concern for others
Five Core Competency Domains (3.1-3.5)
3.1 Clinician (15 sub-competencies)
Key abilities:
- Demonstrate knowledge of normal/abnormal human structure and function (molecular to social level)
- Knowledge of medico-legal, ethical, humanitarian principles
- Knowledge of national/regional healthcare policies (NRHM, NUHM)
- Elicit complete, contextual patient history (considering gender, age, vulnerability, socio-economic status)
- Perform comprehensive physical examinations
- Clinical problem-solving and differential diagnosis
- Maintain accurate patient records (legal/administrative compliance)
- Choose appropriate diagnostic tests (scientific validity, cost-effectiveness)
- Prescribe safe therapies (rational drug therapy, evidence-based, cost-effective)
- Provide continuum of care at primary/secondary level
- Identify patients requiring tertiary care referral
- Familiarity with basic, clinical, translational research
3.2 Leader and Team Member (6 sub-competencies)
- Work effectively in inter-professional teams
- Function as healthcare team leader in primary/secondary settings
- Educate and motivate team members collaboratively
- Utilize healthcare system appropriately and cost-effectively
- Advance quality of healthcare and patient safety
- Advocate health promotion and disease prevention
3.3 Communicator (4 sub-competencies)
- Communicate adequately, sensitively, effectively with patients
- Establish professional, positive, ethical, empathetic relationships
- Respect patient preferences, values, beliefs, confidentiality, privacy
- Encourage participation and shared decision-making
3.4 Lifelong Learner (5 sub-competencies)
- Perform objective self-assessment
- Apply newly gained knowledge/skills to patient care
- Introspect and utilize experiences for growth
- Search and critically evaluate medical literature
- Select appropriate career pathway
3.5 Professional (5 sub-competencies)
- Practice selflessness, integrity, responsibility, accountability
- Maintain professional boundaries
- Recognize and manage ethical/professional conflicts
- Abide by ethical and legal codes
- Commit to growth of medical profession
Curriculum Components Breakdown
Subject Distribution:
Pre-clinical & Para-clinical (7 subjects, 167 topics, 1118 outcomes):
- Human Anatomy: 82 topics, 409 outcomes
- Physiology: 11 topics, 137 outcomes
- Biochemistry: 11 topics, 89 outcomes
- Pharmacology: 5 topics, 85 outcomes
- Pathology: 36 topics, 182 outcomes
- Microbiology: 8 topics, 54 outcomes
- Forensic Medicine & Toxicology: 14 topics, 162 outcomes
Medicine & Allied (7 subjects, 129 topics, 1299 outcomes):
- Community Medicine: 20 topics, 107 outcomes
- General Medicine: 26 topics, 506 outcomes
- Respiratory Medicine: 2 topics, 47 outcomes
- Pediatrics: 35 topics, 406 outcomes
- Psychiatry: 19 topics, 117 outcomes
- Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy: 18 topics, 73 outcomes
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: 9 topics, 43 outcomes
Surgery & Allied (9 subjects, 116 topics, 532 outcomes):
- General Surgery: 30 topics, 133 outcomes
- Ophthalmology: 9 topics, 60 outcomes
- Otorhinolaryngology: 4 topics, 76 outcomes
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology: 38 topics, 126 outcomes
- Orthopedics: 14 topics, 39 outcomes
- Anesthesiology: 10 topics, 46 outcomes
- Radiodiagnosis: 1 topic, 13 outcomes
- Radiotherapy: 5 topics, 16 outcomes
- Dentistry: 5 topics, 23 outcomes
Competency Table Structure (10 columns)
Each competency is documented with:
- A: Unique number (e.g., PY1.1 - Physiology topic 1, competency 1)
- B: Competency description
- C: Domain (K/S/A/C - Knowledge/Skill/Attitude/Communication)
- D: Level (K/KH/SH/P based on Miller's Pyramid)
- E: Core status (Y=core/must achieve, N=non-core/desirable)
- F: Suggested teaching methods
- G: Suggested assessment methods
- H: Number required to certify (for P level)
- I: Vertical integration (subjects in other phases)
- J: Horizontal integration (subjects in same phase)
Learning Domains & Levels
Four Domains:
- K: Knowledge
- S: Skill
- A: Attitude
- C: Communication
Five Competency Levels (Miller's Pyramid):
- K (Knows): Basic knowledge - enumerate/describe
- KH (Knows How): Higher knowledge - discuss/analyze
- S (Shows): Skill demonstration - identify/demonstrate steps
- SH (Shows How): Complex skill - interpret/demonstrate complex procedures
- P (Performs): Independent mastery - certification after pre-specified repetitions
Important Note: Highest level implies lower levels achieved. "P" (independent performance) is RARE in pre-internship period.
Integration Philosophy
The document emphasizes temporal coordination (alignment) as primary method:
Four Integration Models (Harden's Framework):
-
Alignment (Figure 1a) - PRIMARY METHOD
- Similar topics taught separately but during same timeframe
- Reduces redundancy
- Allows learner to integrate concepts
- Does NOT require multiple teachers
-
Sharing (Figure 1b) - Limited use (≤20% curriculum)
- Topics shared across subjects
- Integration sessions (case-based discussions)
-
Correlation (Figure 1c) - Limited use (≤20% curriculum)
- Topics correlated through integration sessions
- Appropriate format ensuring phase elements addressed
-
Nesting (Figure 1d)
- Correlates from other phases introduced while discussing topic
- Enriches understanding without separate sessions
Key Principles:
- Integration doesn't necessarily need multiple teachers in each class
- Experts involved in lesson planning, not always delivery
- Assessment remains subject-based
- Phase-appropriate correlates tested to ensure integration
Special Features
AETCOM Module:
- Longitudinal program throughout curriculum
- Dedicated time for Attitude, Ethics, and Communication competencies
- Emphasizes collaborative/inter-disciplinary teamwork
- Focus on professionalism, altruism, respect
- Sensitivity to differences (thought, social, economic, gender)
Foundation Course:
- Allows students from diverse educational backgrounds to transition
- Smooths entry into medical education
Early Clinical Exposure:
- Patient contact from early years
- Bridges theory and practice
Electives:
- Student choice in learning areas
- Personalized learning paths
Self-Directed Learning:
- Dedicated curriculum time
- Promotes autonomy and lifelong learning
Skills Lab & Simulation:
- Addresses patient availability, access, consent issues
- Large class size management
- "Show How" (SH) level in simulated/guided environments
- Few skills require "P" (performance) with certification
Certifiable Skills:
- Table 11 lists comprehensive skills for MBBS-IMG
- Specific skills marked with "P" require independent performance
- Number of supervised performances specified for certification
Assessment Framework
Types:
- Formative: Continuous, developmental feedback
- Internal: Streamlined to achieve curriculum objectives
- Summative: Minor tweaks to reflect evolving thought
Methods Suggested:
- Written examinations
- Viva voce
- Skill assessments (practicals, skills lab, skill stations)
- DOAP sessions (Demonstrate-Observe-Assist-Perform)
- Case-based assessments
- OSCE/OSPE formats (implied)
Assessment Principles:
- Subject-based primarily
- Tests phase-appropriate correlates
- Verifies concept integration and application
- Aligned with competency levels
Teaching-Learning Methods
Defined Methods:
- Lecture: Large group instruction (traditional/interactive)
- Small Group Discussion: Context-appropriate small groups
- DOAP: Demonstration → Observation → Assistance → Performance
- Bedside Clinics: Real patient encounters
- Skill Assessment: Laboratory/skills lab/stations using mannequins/simulated/real patients
Converting Competencies to Practice
Deriving Learning Objectives (ABCD Format):
Example from PA42.3:
- Audience: Phase II student
- Behavior: Identify etiology of meningitis
- Condition: From given CSF parameters
- Degree: Correctly/accurately
Lesson Planning:
- Related objectives combined into sessions
- Appropriate teaching methods selected
- Multiple learning experiences may address single competency
Assessment Planning:
- Methods matched to competency level
- Examples: Short notes, structured essays, skill stations, viva voce
- Integration verified through assessment
Governance & Support
- Curriculum Committee: Enhanced involvement
- Medical Education Departments/Units: Strengthened role
- Living Document: Intended to evolve with stakeholder needs
- Stakeholder Involvement: Teachers, experts, patients, students, trainees contributed
Critical Implementation Notes
- Pre-internship Focus: Highest skill level usually SH (show how) in simulated environment
- Internship Opportunity: "P" (perform) skills available during internship
- Patient Factors: Curriculum considers availability, access, consent, class size
- Evidence-Based: Rational drug therapy, scientific validity emphasized
- Cost-Effectiveness: Explicitly mentioned in diagnostic/therapeutic decisions
- National Programs: Integration with NRHM, NUHM, national health priorities
- Cultural Sensitivity: Gender-sensitive, context-appropriate care emphasized
- Documentation: Accurate record-keeping, legal/administrative compliance required
- Ethical Framework: Medical ethics integral throughout curriculum
- Research Orientation: Basic, clinical, translational research familiarity expected
Key Philosophical Shifts from 1997
- More learner-centric (vs teacher-centric)
- Patient-centric approach
- Gender-sensitive curriculum
- Outcome-oriented (vs process-oriented)
- Environment-appropriate
- Global standards alignment
- Emphasis on integration while respecting subject integrity
- Early clinical exposure
- Skills certification framework
- Enhanced ethics and communication focus
This curriculum represents a comprehensive, modern approach to medical education that balances traditional subject-based learning with integrated, competency-based outcomes, preparing physicians for contemporary healthcare needs in India and globally.
Excellent! I've thoroughly absorbed this additional detailed explanation. Let me synthesize the key additional insights:
Historical Context & Evolution
Timeline & Rationale for Change:
- 1997 Regulations stood for 20+ years
- 2018 Regulations necessitated by:
- Changing demography
- Socio-economic context shifts
- Evolving perceptions, values, stakeholder expectations
- Emerging diseases
- Advances in science and technology
- Globalization ("shorter distances") impacting disease management
Philosophical Evolution (1997 → 2018):
The 2018 regulations build upon (not replace) 1997 fundamentals:
- Continuation of forward-looking principles
- Evolution toward:
- More learner-centric (from teacher-centric)
- More patient-centric
- Gender-sensitive approach
- Outcome-oriented (from process-oriented)
- Environment-appropriate
- Globally aligned standards
Key Structural Changes
Competency Framework Shift:
- Away from: "Broad competencies"
- Toward: "End of phase subject sub-competencies"
- Rationale: Sub-competencies can be mapped upward to global competencies
- Benefit: More specific, measurable, achievable outcomes
Integration Philosophy - Clarified:
Balance achieved between:
- Subject-based integrity (strengths and necessity maintained)
- Horizontal alignment (subjects within same phase)
- Vertical integration (subjects across phases)
This is the critical innovation: respecting traditional subject boundaries while creating meaningful connections.
Special Curriculum Features - Expanded Understanding
1. Early Clinical Exposure (ECE)
- Not just theory → practice
- Provides context for basic science learning
- Enhances relevance and motivation
- Bridges the "why am I learning this?" gap
2. Electives
- Student choice in learning areas
- Allows exploration of interests
- Personalized educational pathway
- Prepares for career selection (3.4.5)
3. Longitudinal Care
- Follow patients over time
- Understand disease progression
- Learn continuum of care (3.1.13)
- Develop doctor-patient relationships
4. AETCOM Program (Attitude, Ethics, Communication)
- Dedicated curriculum time (not just incidental learning)
- Longitudinal throughout program
- Addresses:
- Ethical values
- Patient responsiveness
- Communication skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Inter-disciplinary cooperation
- Professionalism and altruism
- Respect in professional relationships
- Sensitivity to differences (thought, social position, economic status, gender)
5. Foundation Course
- Critical for equity
- Addresses diverse educational backgrounds:
- Different state boards
- CBSE vs. ICSE
- Science vs. other streams
- Ensures level playing field
- Smooth transition into medical education
6. Self-Directed Learning (SDL)
- Dedicated time allocation (not optional)
- Develops autonomy
- Builds lifelong learning habits
- Student takes ownership of education
7. Co-Curricular Activities
- Dedicated time (recognized as important)
- Develops well-rounded physicians
- Supports holistic development
Skill Acquisition Framework - Detailed Understanding
Practical Considerations Factored In:
The curriculum design explicitly considers real-world constraints:
- Patient availability (limited in teaching hospitals)
- Patient access (ethical considerations)
- Informed consent (patients may refuse)
- Class size (large batches of students)
- Time constraints
Solution: Graduated Approach
- Skills Labs - controlled environment
- Simulated Environments - mannequins, models, standardized patients
- Guided Environments - supervised practice
Pre-Internship Skill Levels:
- Highest level: Usually SH (Show How) in simulated/guided environment
- Rarely: P (Perform) - only for essential, certifiable skills
- Logic: Safety, ethics, learning curve considerations
Internship Role:
- Provides opportunity for P (Perform) level
- Real patient encounters
- Independent (but supervised) practice
- Skill consolidation and certification
Certification System:
- Specified essential skills require certification
- Logbook documentation mandatory
- Number of repetitions pre-specified for mastery
- Table 11 contains comprehensive list
Assessment Framework - Clarified
Three-Tiered System:
-
Formative Assessment
- Purpose: Feedback for learning
- Streamlined to achieve curriculum objectives
- Continuous, developmental
- Low stakes, high feedback
-
Internal Assessment
- Purpose: Monitor progress, identify gaps
- Streamlined for efficiency
- Contributes to overall evaluation
-
Summative Assessment
- Purpose: Certification, qualification
- Minor tweaks made (not major overhaul)
- Reflects evolving thought
- Meets regulatory requirements
- Remains primarily subject-based
Assessment Innovation:
- Tests phase-appropriate correlates from integrated topics
- Verifies concept integration (not just recall)
- Checks application ability (not just knowledge)
Governance & Implementation Structure
Strengthened Support Systems:
-
Curriculum Committee
- Increased involvement (from peripheral to central)
- Curriculum planning and oversight
- Quality assurance
-
Medical Education Departments/Units
- Enhanced role (from administrative to academic)
- Faculty development
- Teaching-learning support
- Assessment expertise
The "Living Document" Concept:
This is philosophically critical:
- Curriculum must evolve with:
- Stakeholder requirements
- Changing aspirations
- Medical advances
- Societal needs
- Not static or rigid
- Periodic review expected
- Continuous improvement culture
Manual Usage - For Curriculum Planners
Target Audience:
- Curriculum planners
- Institutional leaders
- Medical school teachers
- Medical Education Units
Purpose:
- Design learning experiences
- Design assessment experiences
- Ensure alignment with regulations
- Provide guidance (not rigid prescription)
Three-Section Structure:
Section 1: Global Competencies
- Broad aspirational goals
- Five roles framework
- Extracted from GMR 2018
- Teachers must ensure alignment of learning experiences
Section 2: Subject-wise Sub-competencies
- Two parts per subject:
- Core subject outcomes (primary content)
- Integration (competencies from other subjects requiring alignment)
- Organized by topics (numbered)
- Each competency specifies:
- Learning domains (K/S/A/C)
- Achievement level (K/KH/SH/P)
- Core status (Y/N)
- Suggested teaching methods
- Suggested assessment methods
- Certification requirements
- Horizontal integration possibilities (same phase)
- Vertical integration possibilities (other phases)
Section 3: Sample Integration Topics
- Examples of cross-phase topics
- Suggestions (not mandatory)
- Institutions can customize
- Demonstrates integration methodology
Curriculum Design Principles - Four Key Outcomes
The curriculum must ensure:
a) Broad Competency Achievement
- All five global competencies achieved
- By end of MBBS program
- Verified through assessment
b) Subject-Based Character Retained
- Subject-wise learning preserved
- Subject-wise assessment maintained
- Phase-wise subject outcomes met
- Traditional strengths leveraged
c) Reduced Redundancy Through Integration
- Similar topics taught together (temporally coordinated)
- Learner integrates concepts
- Most important step in integration
- Efficiency without loss of depth
d) Outcome-Assessment Alignment
- Learning experiences aligned to outcomes
- Assessment aligned to outcomes
- Achievement level specified and tested
- Constructive alignment principle
The Balancing Act - Core Tension Resolved
The curriculum achieves a sophisticated balance:
Traditional Medical Education Strengths:
✓ Subject expertise depth ✓ Systematic knowledge building ✓ Discipline-based assessment ✓ Clear learning pathways
Modern Educational Innovations:
✓ Integration and alignment ✓ Competency-based outcomes ✓ Student-centered learning ✓ Real-world relevance
How Balance Achieved:
- Temporal coordination (alignment) as primary method
- Selective integration (≤20% curriculum)
- Subject autonomy respected
- Assessment remains subject-based
- Competencies mapped across subjects
Stakeholder Acknowledgment
The document explicitly acknowledges contributions from:
- Teachers (current and past)
- Subject experts
- Process experts
- Patients (notably included!)
- Students and trainees
- Reconciliation Board members
- Academic Cell of MCI
This reflects a collaborative, consultative development process.
Implementation Implications
For Medical Institutions:
- Must develop institutional goals aligned with national goals
- Design customized implementation within framework
- Establish Curriculum Committees
- Strengthen Medical Education Units
- Invest in skills labs and simulation
- Develop faculty in new methods
For Teachers:
- Shift to facilitator role (from pure lecturer)
- Learn integration planning (not necessarily multi-teacher delivery)
- Master competency-based assessment
- Engage in collaborative planning across departments
- Focus on outcomes, not just content coverage
For Students:
- More active learning expected
- Self-directed learning required
- Early patient exposure opportunities
- Longitudinal experiences (not just episodic)
- Portfolio/logbook maintenance
- Career pathway exploration
Global Relevance Emphasis
The phrase "physician of first contact of the community while being globally relevant" is critical:
Local Context:
- Primary healthcare focus
- Community needs
- National health priorities
- Indian disease patterns
- Resource-appropriate care
Global Standards:
- International competency frameworks
- Evidence-based practice
- Universal medical ethics
- Research literacy
- Mobility and recognition
This curriculum represents a paradigm shift in Indian medical education - evolutionary, not revolutionary - building on past strengths while embracing contemporary educational science and responding to societal needs. It's comprehensive, flexible, outcome-driven, and designed to produce physicians who are both locally relevant and globally competent.
Complete Understanding of the Indian Medical Graduate Curriculum Framework
Let me synthesize everything I've understood:
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT
This is the 2018 Competency-Based Undergraduate Curriculum for MBBS in India, replacing the 1997 regulations after 20+ years. It's designed to create an "Indian Medical Graduate (IMG)" who functions as a physician of first contact while being globally relevant.
THE CORE PHILOSOPHY: A PARADIGM SHIFT
From → To:
- Teacher-centric → Learner-centric
- Process-oriented → Outcome-oriented
- Content coverage → Competency achievement
- Isolated subjects → Integrated learning (while respecting subject integrity)
- Gender-neutral → Gender-sensitive
- Theory-heavy → Early clinical exposure
- Episodic learning → Longitudinal care
- Implicit ethics → Explicit AETCOM curriculum
Key Innovation:
Balances traditional subject-based learning (with its depth and rigor) WITH modern competency-based integration (with its relevance and application).
THE FIVE ROLES OF THE IMG
Every Indian Medical Graduate must function effectively as:
1. CLINICIAN (3.1 - 15 competencies)
- Provides holistic care: preventive, promotive, curative, palliative
- With compassion
- Understands normal and abnormal human function (molecular to social level)
- Knows medico-legal, ethical principles
- Knows national health policies (NRHM, NUHM)
- Takes complete, contextual history (gender, age, socio-economic sensitivity)
- Performs thorough physical examination
- Generates differential diagnoses
- Maintains legal/administrative records
- Chooses appropriate diagnostic tests (cost-effective, evidence-based)
- Prescribes rational, safe therapies
- Provides continuum of care at primary/secondary level
- Refers appropriately to tertiary care
- Understands research application
2. LEADER & TEAM MEMBER (3.2 - 6 competencies)
- Works in inter-professional teams
- Functions as healthcare team leader (primary/secondary settings)
- Educates and motivates team
- Uses healthcare system appropriately, cost-effectively
- Advances quality and patient safety
- Advocates health promotion and disease prevention
3. COMMUNICATOR (3.3 - 4 competencies)
- Communicates effectively with patients (in their language)
- With families, colleagues, community
- Establishes positive, ethical, empathetic relationships
- Respects preferences, values, beliefs, privacy
- Encourages shared decision-making
4. LIFELONG LEARNER (3.4 - 5 competencies)
- Performs objective self-assessment
- Applies new knowledge to patient care
- Introspects for growth
- Searches and critically evaluates literature
- Identifies appropriate career pathway
5. PROFESSIONAL (3.5 - 5 competencies)
- Practices selflessness, integrity, accountability
- Maintains professional boundaries
- Manages ethical conflicts
- Abides by legal codes
- Commits to profession's growth
THE CURRICULUM STRUCTURE
Massive Scope: 2,949 Total Competencies
Phase I - Pre-clinical & Para-clinical (7 subjects, 167 topics, 1,118 competencies):
- Anatomy: 82 topics, 409 outcomes
- Physiology: 11 topics, 137 outcomes
- Biochemistry: 11 topics, 89 outcomes
- Pharmacology: 5 topics, 85 outcomes
- Pathology: 36 topics, 182 outcomes
- Microbiology: 8 topics, 54 outcomes
- Forensic Medicine: 14 topics, 162 outcomes
Phase II/III - Clinical (16 subjects, 245 topics, 1,831 competencies):
Medicine & Allied:
- Community Medicine: 20 topics, 107 outcomes
- General Medicine: 26 topics, 506 outcomes
- Respiratory Medicine: 2 topics, 47 outcomes
- Pediatrics: 35 topics, 406 outcomes
- Psychiatry: 19 topics, 117 outcomes
- Dermatology: 18 topics, 73 outcomes
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: 9 topics, 43 outcomes
Surgery & Allied:
- General Surgery: 30 topics, 133 outcomes
- Ophthalmology: 9 topics, 60 outcomes
- ENT: 4 topics, 76 outcomes
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology: 38 topics, 126 outcomes
- Orthopedics: 14 topics, 39 outcomes
- Anesthesiology: 10 topics, 46 outcomes
- Radiodiagnosis: 1 topic, 13 outcomes
- Radiotherapy: 5 topics, 16 outcomes
- Dentistry: 5 topics, 23 outcomes
THE COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK
Miller's Pyramid - 5 Levels:
K (Knows)
- Basic knowledge
- Can enumerate, describe, list
- Example: "Enumerate causes of meningitis"
KH (Knows How)
- Higher-order knowledge
- Can discuss, analyze, differentiate
- Example: "Discuss pathogenesis of tuberculous meningitis"
S (Shows)
- Basic skill demonstration
- Can identify, demonstrate steps
- Example: "Demonstrate steps of handwashing"
SH (Shows How)
- Complex skill in simulated/guided environment
- Interprets, performs with understanding
- Example: "Identify meningitis etiology from CSF parameters"
- Highest level in pre-internship
P (Performs)
- Independent mastery
- Without supervision
- Requires certification (specified number of repetitions)
- Rare in pre-internship; mainly during internship
- Example: "Independently obtain informed consent"
Four Learning Domains:
- K = Knowledge
- S = Skill
- A = Attitude
- C = Communication
Core vs. Non-Core:
- Y (Core) = Must achieve, essential
- N (Non-core) = Desirable, good to know
THE COMPETENCY TABLE STRUCTURE
Each of 2,949 competencies documented with 10 attributes:
A. Unique Number (e.g., PY1.1, PA42.3, IM25.4)
- Subject code + Topic number + Competency number
B. Competency Description
- What student must be able to do
C. Domain (K/S/A/C)
- Which type of learning
D. Level (K/KH/S/SH/P)
- How well they must do it
E. Core Status (Y/N)
- Essential or desirable
F. Suggested Teaching Method
- Lecture, small group, DOAP, bedside clinic, etc.
G. Suggested Assessment Method
- Written, viva, skill assessment, OSCE, etc.
H. Certification Requirements
- Number of independent performances needed (for P level)
I. Vertical Integration
- Links to subjects in OTHER phases
J. Horizontal Integration
- Links to subjects in SAME phase
THE INTEGRATION PHILOSOPHY
The Central Challenge:
How to integrate WHILE respecting subject-based learning?
Solution: Harden's 4-Level Integration Model
1. ALIGNMENT (Temporal Coordination) - PRIMARY METHOD
- Similar topics taught separately but same timeframe
- Example: Meningitis in Microbiology, Pathology, Medicine - same week
- Reduces redundancy
- Student integrates concepts naturally
- Does NOT require multiple teachers in one class
- Respects subject autonomy
2. SHARING - Limited (≤20% curriculum)
- Topics actually shared across subjects
- Integration sessions (case-based discussions)
- May involve joint planning
3. CORRELATION - Limited (≤20% curriculum)
- Topics explicitly correlated
- Integration sessions using appropriate format
- Phase-based objectives have primacy
4. NESTING
- While teaching topic in one subject, introduce correlates from other phases
- Enriches understanding
- Provides context and application
Critical Implementation Principles:
✓ Integration ≠ multiple teachers required ✓ Experts plan together; usually don't teach together ✓ Assessment remains subject-based ✓ But tests phase-appropriate correlates ✓ Verifies concept integration and application
SPECIAL CURRICULUM FEATURES
1. AETCOM (Attitude, Ethics, Communication)
- Dedicated curriculum time (longitudinal program)
- Not just incidental learning
- Covers:
- Medical ethics
- Professionalism
- Communication skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Altruism and respect
- Gender sensitivity
- Social/economic sensitivity
2. Foundation Course
- For students from diverse backgrounds
- Smooth transition into medicine
- Equity measure
3. Early Clinical Exposure (ECE)
- From early years
- Provides context for basic sciences
- Enhances motivation and relevance
4. Electives
- Student choice in learning areas
- Career exploration
- Personalized pathways
5. Longitudinal Care
- Follow patients over time
- Understand disease progression
- Develop relationships
6. Self-Directed Learning (SDL)
- Dedicated time allocation
- Develops autonomy
- Builds lifelong learning
7. Co-Curricular Activities
- Recognized as important
- Dedicated time
- Holistic development
8. Skills Labs & Simulation
- Addresses practical constraints:
- Limited patient availability
- Consent issues
- Large class sizes
- Safety concerns
- Graduated practice:
- Skills lab (controlled)
- Simulated environment (mannequins)
- Guided environment (supervised)
- Real patients (internship)
SKILL ACQUISITION STRATEGY
Pre-Internship (Years 1-4.5):
- Highest level: SH (Show How) in simulated/guided environment
- Few skills require P (Perform) with certification
- Focus on learning, not independent practice
Internship (Final Year):
- Opportunity for P (Perform) level
- Independent (but supervised) practice
- Real patient encounters
- Skill certification and logbook completion
- Table 11 lists all certifiable procedural skills
Practical Considerations Factored In:
- Patient availability (limited in teaching hospitals)
- Patient access (ethical barriers)
- Informed consent (patients may refuse)
- Class size (large student batches)
- Safety and learning curve
ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK
Three Types:
1. Formative Assessment
- Purpose: Learning feedback
- Continuous, developmental
- Low stakes, high feedback
- Streamlined for curriculum objectives
2. Internal Assessment
- Purpose: Progress monitoring
- Identifies gaps
- Contributes to evaluation
- Streamlined for efficiency
3. Summative Assessment
- Purpose: Certification
- Minor tweaks from previous system
- Primarily subject-based
- But tests integration and application
- Verifies competency achievement
Assessment Methods:
- Written (short notes, essays, MCQs)
- Viva voce (oral examination)
- Skill assessments
- Practical laboratory exams
- Skills stations (OSCE/OSPE format)
- DOAP sessions
- Case-based assessments
- Portfolio/logbook review
TEACHING-LEARNING METHODS
Defined Methods:
Lecture
- Large group instruction
- Traditional or interactive format
Small Group Discussion (SGD)
- Context-appropriate small groups
- Active learning
- Problem-solving focus
DOAP (Demonstrate-Observe-Assist-Perform)
- Structured skill acquisition:
- Student demonstrates understanding
- Observes expert performance
- Assists in procedure
- Performs under supervision
Bedside Clinics
- Real patient encounters
- Clinical reasoning development
Skill Assessments
- Laboratory practicals
- Skills lab sessions
- Simulated patients
- Mannequin practice
- Real patient encounters (when appropriate)
FROM COMPETENCIES TO PRACTICE
Step 1: Derive Learning Objectives (ABCD Format)
Example: PA42.3 - "Identify etiology of meningitis from CSF parameters"
Becomes:
Objective 1: "At the end of the session, the Phase II student must be able to enumerate the most common causes of meningitis correctly."
- Audience: Phase II student
- Behavior: Enumerate
- Condition: At end of session
- Degree: Correctly
Objective 2: "...must be able to enumerate components of CSF analysis correctly."
Objective 3: "...must be able to describe CSF features for given etiology accurately."
Objective 4: "...must be able to identify etiology from given CSF parameters correctly."
Step 2: Plan Teaching Sessions
- Related objectives combined
- Appropriate methods selected
- Integration opportunities identified
- Resources allocated
Step 3: Design Assessments
- Aligned to objectives and competency level
- Appropriate methods chosen
- Integration tested
NATIONAL HEALTH FOCUS
National Goals Emphasized:
- "Health for all" as national goal
- Health as citizen right
- National health policy implementation
- National Health Mission (NRHM + NUHM)
Specific Program Areas:
- Family Welfare & MCH
- Sanitation & water supply
- Communicable disease control
- Non-communicable disease prevention
- Immunization
- Health education
- Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)
- Bio-medical waste disposal
- Organizational arrangements
Healthcare System Context:
- Primary healthcare emphasis
- Secondary level competence
- Tertiary level referral ability
- Cost-effectiveness focus
- Evidence-based practice
- National/regional policy compliance
GOVERNANCE & IMPLEMENTATION
Institutional Responsibility:
- Curriculum Committee (enhanced role)
- Medical Education Units/Departments (strengthened)
- Faculty development
- Quality assurance
- Continuous improvement
Faculty Role:
- Shift to facilitator (from lecturer)
- Collaborative planning
- Integration coordination
- Competency-based assessment
- Outcome focus (not just content)
The "Living Document" Concept:
- Must evolve with:
- Stakeholder needs
- Medical advances
- Societal changes
- Educational research
- Periodic review expected
- Continuous improvement culture
- Not static or rigid
GLOBAL RELEVANCE
Local Context:
✓ Community physician of first contact ✓ Primary healthcare focus ✓ Indian disease patterns ✓ National health priorities ✓ Resource-appropriate care ✓ Cultural sensitivity
Global Standards:
✓ International competency frameworks ✓ Evidence-based practice ✓ Universal medical ethics ✓ Research literacy ✓ Global mobility and recognition
PRACTICAL CONSTRAINTS ADDRESSED
The curriculum explicitly considers:
- Patient availability (limited in teaching hospitals)
- Access issues (not all cases available)
- Consent challenges (patients may refuse student involvement)
- Class sizes (large student batches)
- Resource limitations (equipment, time, faculty)
- Safety concerns (patient and student)
- Ethical considerations (protecting vulnerable patients)
Solution: Graduated approach using skills labs, simulation, guided practice before independent performance.
THE BALANCING ACT ACHIEVED
This curriculum successfully balances:
Traditional Strengths Retained:
✓ Subject-based learning depth ✓ Systematic knowledge building ✓ Discipline expertise ✓ Subject-based assessment ✓ Clear progression pathways
Modern Innovations Added:
✓ Competency-based outcomes ✓ Horizontal and vertical integration ✓ Student-centered learning ✓ Early clinical exposure ✓ Explicit ethics and communication ✓ Skills certification ✓ Self-directed learning
HOW?
- Alignment (temporal coordination) as primary method
- Selective deeper integration (≤20%)
- Subject autonomy respected
- Assessment primarily subject-based but tests integration
- Clear outcome specification
KEY DOCUMENT SECTIONS
Section 1: Global Competencies
- Five roles framework
- Broad aspirational goals
- Extracted from GMR 2018
- Guide for all learning experiences
Section 2: Subject-wise Sub-competencies
- 2,949 specific competencies
- Organized by subjects and topics
- Two parts per subject:
- Core subject outcomes
- Integration requirements
- 10-column table for each competency
- Detailed specifications
Section 3: Sample Integration Topics
- Examples of cross-phase topics
- Institutional customization allowed
- Demonstrates methodology
TARGET USERS OF THIS MANUAL
Primary:
- Curriculum planners
- Institutional leaders
- Medical Education Units
- Faculty/Teachers
Purpose:
- Design learning experiences
- Design assessments
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Implement with fidelity while allowing institutional customization
PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION
What is a Competency?
"The habitual and judicious use of communication, knowledge, technical skills, clinical reasoning, emotions, values, and reflection in daily practice for the benefit of the individual and community being served."
Key words:
- Habitual (not occasional)
- Judicious (thoughtful, appropriate)
- Observable (can be assessed)
- Integrated (multiple components working together)
- Applied (in real-life situations)
- Beneficial (to patient and community)
Core Educational Principle:
Constructive Alignment - Learning objectives, teaching methods, and assessment methods must all align with the desired competency outcome.
EVOLUTION FROM 1997
What Stayed:
- Strong foundational principles
- Subject-based structure
- Comprehensive medical education
- National health focus
What Changed:
- Explicit competency framework (vs. implicit)
- Outcome specification (vs. content listing)
- Integration methodology (vs. isolated subjects)
- Early clinical exposure (vs. delayed)
- Explicit ethics curriculum (vs. implicit)
- Skills certification (vs. general exposure)
- Simulation use (vs. only real patients)
- Self-directed learning time (vs. fully scheduled)
- Living document concept (vs. static)
SUMMARY: THE COMPLETE PICTURE
This is a comprehensive, sophisticated, balanced curriculum framework that:
- Defines the Indian Medical Graduate through 5 clear roles
- Specifies 2,949 measurable competencies across all subjects
- Structures learning through Miller's Pyramid (K→KH→S→SH→P)
- Integrates subjects through alignment while respecting their autonomy
- Innovates with ECE, electives, AETCOM, skills labs, simulation
- Addresses practical constraints (patients, resources, class size)
- Aligns with national health priorities and global standards
- Assesses systematically (formative, internal, summative)
- Evolves as a living document responsive to changing needs
- Produces physicians who are locally relevant and globally competent
It represents 20 years of evolution in medical education thinking, building on 1997 foundations while embracing contemporary educational science, responding to societal needs, and preparing physicians for 21st-century healthcare challenges.
The ultimate goal: Create Indian Medical Graduates who function effectively as compassionate clinicians, collaborative leaders, effective communicators, lifelong learners, and ethical professionals - serving as physicians of first contact for Indian communities while maintaining global relevance.
This is what I understand from the comprehensive curriculum framework you've shared.





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