Frontline over ivory tower: key competencies in community-based curricula

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Endocrinology Training
• Competency-Based Education

Background:

• Canadian postgraduate medical education requires community experiences.
• Significant variability exists in community endocrinology rotations.
• Limited literature guides the structure of community rotations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine CanMEDS competencies suitable for community endocrinology curricula.
• To guide the development of standardized community rotations.

Main Methods:

• Modified Delphi technique employed.
• Expert panel included program directors, community endocrinologists, residents, and graduates.
• Series of questionnaires with controlled feedback used.

Main Results:

• 34 of 44 competencies deemed appropriate for community settings.
• The "Manager" role was considered best taught in the community.
• The "Medical Expert" role was considered least suitable for community learning.

Conclusions:

• First study to use Delphi to define a Canadian community subspecialty curriculum.
• Community settings can address gaps in residency training, especially for the CanMEDS Manager role.
• Findings will assist program directors in designing competency-based community rotations.