"Autoimmune curriculitis": a not so new curricular disease

Abstract

Thirty years ago, Abrahamson described the main curriculum problems in undergraduate medical education as "diseases of the curriculum". Based on our own experience and knowledge, we propose the inclusion of a new condition named "autoimmune curriculitis", which is produced by the students themselves. In this condition, the students are who decide to "swell" the curriculum, by excessively participating in multiple intra and extramural activities, competing to markedly improve their academic performance. Unlike other curriculum diseases, this one may directly affect the students personal life and health, especially if it begins as early as in the first semester of the career Two main aspects of medical education have a key role in the genesis of this disease: the so-called hidden curriculum and the selection process used in the postgraduate programs in Chile. Unfortunately the prevalence and severity of this curriculum disease is a growing threat, due to the increasing number of undergraduate students in Chile without an equivalent increment of postgraduate programs. Given its characteristics, eradicating this disease seems quite difficult. To do so, it is necessary for postgraduate selection committees to give a clear sign regarding the most relevant attributes they consider when choosing the candidates and, consequently to discourage the exaggerated collection of curriculum records. Moreover, we need a group of students faithful to their own interests, who will keep growing in depth those that are more meaningful to them.