Inadequacies in Undergraduate Musculoskeletal Education-A Survey of Nationally Accredited Allopathic Medical Programs in Canada.

Abstract

The aim of the study is to document the current state of musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine education across nationally accredited undergraduate medical programs. A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather curricular data on the following three musculoskeletal themes: (1) anatomy education, (2) preclinical education, and (3) clerkship education. The survey had a 100% response rate with all 14 English-language medical schools in Canada responding. The mean time spent teaching musculoskeletal anatomy was 29.8 hrs (SD ± 13.7, range = 12-60), with all but one program using some form of cadaveric-based instruction. Musculoskeletal preclinical curricula averaged 58.0 hrs (SD ± 53.4, range = 6-204), with didactic lectures, case-based learning, and small group tutorials being the most common modes of instruction. Curricular content varied greatly, with only 25% of "core or must-know" musculoskeletal topics being covered in detail by all programs. Musculoskeletal training in clerkship was required by only 50% of programs, most commonly being 2 wks in duration. Results document the large variability and curricular inadequacies that exist in musculoskeletal education across nationally accredited allopathic programs and highlight the need for the identification and implementation of more consistent musculoskeletal curricular content and educational standards by all nationally accredited medical programs.