Designing and Implementation of Vertically and Horizontally Integrated Endocrinology and Reproduction Module

Background: There is a worldwide trend of change in Medical Education from subject-based towards system-based approach. Several reports from various medical universities all over the world indicate that system based integrated curriculum may be considered as one of the major reforms to prepare better physicians for the next century. The objective of this study was to design and implement a horizontally and vertically integrated module for endocrinology and reproduction (ENR). It also aimed to evaluate study and faculty satisfaction for the continuation of this module in the future. Methods: It was an observational study of six months duration carried out on second year Medical students of Shifa College of Medicine (SCM). A multidisciplinary ENR modular team comprising of 18 highly relevant team members, finalized the clinical cases, themes, relevant objectives, learning strategies, time table and assessment tools for this integrated module. Student and faculty feedback questionnaire was administered at the end of module. Results: Seventy-four percent of the students and 96% of the faculty agreed that integrated teaching is better than the traditional teaching. Eighty-six percent students responded that the integrated approach makes learning and understanding easy; 70% students agreed that there was well balanced horizontal and vertical integration and LGIS, SGDs and PBLs were complimenting each other. Seventy-five percent students and 86% faculty favoured the continuation of integrated approach in future. Conclusion: Mode of ENR module delivery was highly appreciated by the students and faculty. System based curricular delivery can be implemented successfully in undergraduate medical education.