I got this email FWD'ed from an OSU M3.
To: Medical Students and Faculty, COMPH
From: Daniel Sedmak, M.D., Vice Dean for Education
Subject: Curricular Change for 2003
This message is to update you about a significant change in our medical
curriculum.
Effective with the Fall 2003 entering class, we will no longer be
enrolling students in the Problem-Based Learning Pathway (PBL). Presently
enrolled Med 1 and Med 2 students in PBL will not be affected by this
decision. Current PBL students will continue to receive the same level of
excellent education and support as have prior PBL classes.
This decision has been reached after discussion amongst the faculty and
student leadership and is based upon factors that strongly support the
proposal that now is the time for this change. The Ohio State University
College of Medicine and Public Health has always been an innovative
leader in medical education. This year we introduced the newly created
Integrated Pathway. This pathway combines the proven educational methods
of student-centered active learning, small group case-based discussion,
and lectures. In many respects, the new Integrated Pathway has adopted
the very best aspects of all three curricular options.
Enrollment patterns support our curricular change. Based on the response
from our current Med 1 class, the Integrated Pathway is experiencing
tremendous popularity. At present, the vast majority of Med 1 students
have selected the Integrated Pathway. This has resulted in smaller
enrollments in both PBL and Independent Study.
It is our firm belief that this curricular change will have many
positive benefits, in addition to providing students with a leading edge
curricular option. With less fragmentation in the curriculum, our classes
will have the opportunity to develop greater unity within the student
population and our faculty will be able to increase time and focus on
teaching initiatives related to the new pathway and the new Clinical
Skills Laboratory.
I felt it important to let you know of this decision immediately. The
next group of prospective students begins the interview process on
Monday, September 16th and we wish to be consistent with the information
we provide to them and others.
