Implementation of PBL Curriculum Involving Multiple Disciplines in Undergraduate Medical Education Programme

This article describes how a multidisciplinary problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum was established at the International Medical University in Malaysia for preclinical education in a 5-semester phase 1 programme. Based on positive feedback from a modified PBL program implemented in one discipline, a multidisciplinary PBL curriculum was established. PBL training for facilitators and students, development of resource materials, curriculum design, and case writing were done in a manner that is consistent with the characteristics and learning style preferences of undergraduate medical students. About 80% of the lectures were kept in the new PBL program. The multidisciplinary PBL curriculum has been successful in helping undergraduate medical students mentally construct an understanding of the interrelationship between medical knowledge and basic science concepts. The experience at International Medical University, Malaysia, indicates that there are clear benefits for students in the PBL format. A benefit to faculty is that PBL tutorial facilitators were partly liberated from their traditional roles and developed additional skills for facilitating. However, conflict arises when PBL-trained students encounter the traditional exam-centered education system.