Curricular renovations in the medical program at the University of Antioquia, in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

In the article, an analysis is made of curricular renovation in the medical program at Universidad de Antioquia, in Medellín, Colombia, especially between 2000 and 2005; its purpose focused on moving from a traditional and technological concept of the curriculum to an integrationist tendency, centered on the student, flexible, focused on the cognitive processes and on achieving the training of a physician capable of answering to social, local and global needs. The implementation of Problem Based Learning is analyzed as well as other didactic strategies, the role of the tutor and internal debate on competences. The study plan was organized around problematic areas, while the previous plan was structured starting from disciplines. The program included new areas of knowledge, among them medical information technology, analysis of human sexuality, communication and phases of the vital cycle not previously contemplated, such as adolescence and old age. Disciplines oriented to health and society were posed in a longitudinal manner and health promotion, disease prevention and attention, and rehabilitation were considered as transcurricular axes. However, a fragmentary mentality that separates disciplines continues to predominate, there is a need to increase practice areas outside the hospital environment, evaluation remains as one of the critical aspects and administrative adjustment is pending. Curricular management should be permanent with ample participation of both faculty and students