Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development (Jun 2020)

Educational Strategies to Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Health Care Model Focused on Primary Care in Colombia

  • Gustavo-Adolfo Quintero,
  • John Vergel,
  • Ángelo Laverde,
  • Luis-Carlos Ortíz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2382120520930260
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7

Abstract

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The traditional, subject-based medical curriculum in Colombia has been mainly focused on the biomedical model proposed by Flexner in 1910. This means learning outcomes or competences are framed on curative care and the specialization of physicians. Students are mainly trained to work in highly complex hospitals in urban centers and encouraged to enroll (as soon as possible) in residencies. This curriculum lacks pertinence to implement the new Colombian Primary Health Care Model as the focus is a shift toward the promotion of health and prevention of illness. Recommendations to provide light on how to implement a change for ensuring pertinence of medical education in this context are discussed.