The impact of core curriculum revisions on Japanese medical schools: Navigating curriculum evolution

This study examines the impact of the 2010 and 2016 Model Core Curriculum (MCC) revisions on medical education across all 82 medical schools in Japan.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021, focusing on the response to the MCC revisions, curriculum changes, and factors influencing these changes. The survey included questions on approaches to implementing the MCC revisions, timing of curriculum updates, factors triggering these revisions, changes in student performance and career paths, and the introduction of new subjects.

The response rate was 100%. Most universities rapidly implemented changes following the 2016 MCC revision, demonstrating agility in adapting to national standards. Key factors influencing curriculum revisions included external evaluations and the MCC revisions themselves. Despite no significant changes in student performance or career paths from faculties' perspective, an increase in scholarly activities was noted. The introduction of new subjects post-2016 reflects a shift toward holistic perspectives such as behavioral science, general medicine/community medicine, and professionalism.

The findings highlight a commitment to maintaining educational quality in Japanese medical education. The responsiveness to MCC revisions suggests a growing interest in medical education among faculties and an alignment with global medical education trends to meet evolving healthcare needs.