Mercer University SOM (Macon GA) had a curriculum that was problem-based learning (PBL) structured, in which we were taught all things human body by body-system. Every discipline (anatomy, phys, path, pharm, histo, embryology, nutrition etc) was mastered for each body-system in 6-7 week blocks (phases). At the end of each phase, our knowledge and understanding were tested by both multiple choice and oral examinations. PBL honed critical thinking, logic and research skill sets. Body-system structured- learning fostered seeing a bigger picture and connectedness of our collective physiological functions. As I have journeyed in the profession of medicine, I have come to greatly appreciate this greatly superior (IMHO) approach to medical training and have wished every medical education program used this same curriculum and testing architecture.
It seems to me that the prime focus of my medical education was to find what pharmaceutical products the patients’ were deficient in and prescribe it. In a multiple choice format, no less.
The epiphany for me was two statements that my doctor made to me:
1) "You know more about nutrition than I do."
2) "I don't work for you. I work for your insurance company."
Being retired, I now have the freedom to do my own research on medical issues. After 8 years on a diet that incorporates Keto, time restricted eating, ancestral eating, and my own personal tweaks, I've come to know who to trust. My library is full of books from a small pool of doctors who have proven to me through my n=1 study that they know what they are talking about. Unfortunately for most people, there is simply no way to invest the time to do this. They must rely on the expertise of someone that may or may not be invested in their health.
Mercer University SOM (Macon GA) had a curriculum that was problem-based learning (PBL) structured, in which we were taught all things human body by body-system. Every discipline (anatomy, phys, path, pharm, histo, embryology, nutrition etc) was mastered for each body-system in 6-7 week blocks (phases). At the end of each phase, our knowledge and understanding were tested by both multiple choice and oral examinations. PBL honed critical thinking, logic and research skill sets. Body-system structured- learning fostered seeing a bigger picture and connectedness of our collective physiological functions. As I have journeyed in the profession of medicine, I have come to greatly appreciate this greatly superior (IMHO) approach to medical training and have wished every medical education program used this same curriculum and testing architecture.
It seems to me that the prime focus of my medical education was to find what pharmaceutical products the patients’ were deficient in and prescribe it. In a multiple choice format, no less.
The epiphany for me was two statements that my doctor made to me:
1) "You know more about nutrition than I do."
2) "I don't work for you. I work for your insurance company."
Being retired, I now have the freedom to do my own research on medical issues. After 8 years on a diet that incorporates Keto, time restricted eating, ancestral eating, and my own personal tweaks, I've come to know who to trust. My library is full of books from a small pool of doctors who have proven to me through my n=1 study that they know what they are talking about. Unfortunately for most people, there is simply no way to invest the time to do this. They must rely on the expertise of someone that may or may not be invested in their health.