Core curiculum

Abstract

Undergraduate medical education has been changing continuously in order to overcome problems due to information overload and difficulties for the introduction of new concepts and medical technology innovations. Many of these problems and difficulties may be reduced by adopting a core curriculum, which is the sum of the contents minimally necessary and sufficient for the general basic education of a physician, complemented by elective activities. ln this paper, the author summarizes the main objectives of this new curricular system and suggests a new frame, with recommended disciplines and topics generated from the current scheme adapted by the University of São Paulo Faculty of Medicine. It is stressed that the new curricular frame has to allow students to spend a considerable fraction of time in extracurricular activities. The author also presents suggestions regarding the implementation and the coordination of this new curricular scheme.