Whole person medical education - moving beyond learning objectives and curriculum dot points

Abstract

In recent years, great progress has been made in teaching medical students, residents and physicians to be more patient focused in their clinical interactions.  Patient-centred medical care initially, and now whole person care, have helped to improve patient experiences of the health system, and led to better patient outcomes.

Unfortunately, during this time, teaching methods have not moved forward at the same pace.  Medical education is often teacher focussed and syllabus driven.  Emphasis is put on how to pass assessment tasks and exams.  The learner as a person can be as invisible as the patient once was before the changes towards more person-centred medical care.

It is time for a paradigm shift in medical education - for whole person care principles to be applied in education as they have been in clinical care.

This experiential, interactive workshop will challenge participants to think about how they deliver educational material for students, residents and continued professional development.  Whole person care principles will be applied to both the planning of an educational event, and to strategies and techniques for delivery of education.  Participants will have an opportunity to practice and refine these techniques.

Participants can expect to leave the workshop equipped, inspired and ready for the challenge of leading an education paradigm change within their home institution.  Or maybe they might just have a bit of fun with like-minded colleagues, thinking about new ways of teaching.