Development of basic medical sciences in a new medical school with an integrated curriculum: The ANU experience

Background: The development of a basic medical science curriculum in a new medical school with a problem-based focus in Australia has been subject to a number of constraints. We describe the process and early evaluation. Aim: To describe the development of a basic medical science curriculum in an Australian medical school with a problem-based curriculum. Methods: We describe the process we used for curriculum development and the benefits and constraints that arose from pre-existing strong biomedical science on the Australian National University (ANU) campus. We outline methods we used to inform our curriculum content and report on accreditation and early internal evaluation. Results: Australian medical schools design their curriculum within a relatively restrictive framework put forward by a national accreditation system. The curriculum achieved accreditation from the external accrediting agency, but early student evaluation has been mixed. Conclusion: Although our internal faculty evaluation and external review by the accrediting agency has supported the view that this aspect of the curriculum has performed reasonably well, student feedback is mixed and further evaluation is needed and adjustments probably warranted.