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A comparative curricular review project
Summary
A curriculum review at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine found its osteopathic education closely aligned with the Core Curriculum. Minor adjustments improved course sequencing and content, enhancing the first-year program.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Osteopathic Medicine
Background:
- The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) undertook a curriculum review to assess its osteopathic education program.
- A comparative analysis was performed against the established Core Curriculum in Osteopathic Education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the comprehensiveness of TCOM's instruction in osteopathic philosophy, principles, and practices.
- To identify discrepancies between the TCOM curriculum and the Core Curriculum document.
Main Methods:
- A detailed, course-by-course review was conducted by student physicians.
- Faculty members reviewed the findings for each course.
Main Results:
- TCOM's curriculum demonstrated significant similarity to the Core Curriculum.
- Identified areas included instructional redundancy, suboptimal sequencing, and some unaddressed topics.
- Faculty actions led to course consolidation and a net reduction in weekly contact hours.
Conclusions:
- The curriculum review facilitated significant curricular changes and improvements.
- Enhanced course scheduling improved the overall consistency and stability of the first-year program.