Physician shortage has many rethinking old-school medicine

 The looming physician shortage has prompted many medical educators to champion a new way of teaching called competency-based medical education (CBME). Instead of a set four-year medical school curriculum based on lectures and written exams, CBME focuses on small-group experiences. In this system, students who are ready can choose to “test out” of a topic early by demonstrating the necessary knowledge and clinical skills. This way, students who learn at different speeds can progress according to their abilities. Critics say that such an overhaul would be costly and extensive, but the transition to CBME has already started. Last year, the AMA awarded $1 million grants to 11 medical schools to help them create a CBME curriculum. 

Source: North Carolina Public Radio