Perspective on a Vertical Integration Using Electives—Not with a Bang, but a Whimper

Abstract

Following the current trends in medical-curriculum development with an important but poorly represented course in forensic medicine is a rather challenging quest. Given the exceptional opportunity of teaching forensic medicine and anatomy, the author’s experience is shared, bearing in mind the harsh academic-workload standards. In that context, the introduction of (clinically oriented/problem-solving-based) curriculum-specific electives (CSEs) is suggested as a means of vertical integration of medical education. Moreover, it may be time to transfer learning (at least in part) to some other environment, possibly a virtual one. The body of knowledge expected to be learned by all students, the core curriculum, should be alleviated, and all too-specific topics should be transferred to the CSE. Keeping the curriculum attractive to clinicians and interesting for students should be an idea aiming for a fully integrated course. Balance of the core curriculum and CSEs aims to bring forth interaction with clinics and bonds with clinicians. In addition, students’ affinities would be met more adequately.