Firsthand Experience in Graduating Three Cohorts of Forensic Pathologists Trained With Competency by Design (CBD)...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Forensic Pathology Training
• Competency-Based Medical Education

Background:

• The University of Toronto has successfully graduated three cohorts of forensic pathologists using a Competency by Design (CBD) curriculum.
• This achievement is a result of extensive development of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), Required Training Experiences (RTEs), and Specialty Competency Requirements (SCRs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To share firsthand experiences with implementing a CBD-based forensic pathology training program.
• To outline the structure and progression of the CBD curriculum in forensic pathology.

Main Methods:

• The academic year was structured into 13 blocks, divided into four stages: Transition to Discipline (1 block), Foundation of Discipline (3 blocks), Core of Discipline (6 blocks), and Transition to Practice (3 blocks).
• Training was supervised by board-certified forensic pathologists with over five years of experience.

Main Results:

• Nine trainees (5 Canadian, 4 international) graduated from the CBD-based Forensic Pathology training program by June 2021.
• A fourth cohort is currently in training, with expected graduation in June 2022.

Conclusions:

• The University of Toronto initiated CBD curriculum planning in 2016, aligning with the Royal College Speciality Committee blueprint.
• The program has successfully graduated multiple cohorts, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of CBD in forensic pathology education.