An insight into competency-based undergraduate curriculum and its application in Ophthalmology

Abstract

The revised undergraduate (UG) medical curriculum envisages the Indian Medical Graduate (IMG) to assist the nation in achieving its goal of “health for all.” It adopts learner-centered and outcome-oriented approach to train an IMG who can effectively cater to the needs of the society. It emphasizes on the development of competencies and prepares the learner to work in real life situations. Hence, there is the shift in focus from “must know” to “must do.” Apart from being a competent clinician, the graduate has to function in the roles of effective communicator, leader, life-long learner, and professional. For acquisition of the competencies, some key components have been added in competency-based medical education. Each subject expert has to make sure to teach and assess the subject-wise skills as well as these competencies. This enables the UG students to acquire knowledge, skills, ethics, values, and attitude to work as competent and skillful health-care professionals.