[Concept frame for curricular innovation in health care schools]

We herein describe the conceptual dimension of the curricular innovation process carried out in the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Chile. We describe the context of innovation. The theoretical pertinence and relevance of a competence driven curriculum for health care professionals is discussed. The epistemological, ontological and didactic dimensions of the curricular innovation are examined. A main issue is the notion of competence and its significance in professional training. The curriculum is essentially considered as a moral endeavor, especially for health care professionals and their quest to improve the quality of life of the population.