From Tinkering to Transformation: Lessons Learned From 10 Years of Curricular Reculturing.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Curriculum Design
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) programs have significantly increased in the U.S.
• Curriculum development is a priority for PA educators.
• Traditional curriculum updates often result in dilution and drift.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore curriculum design as a cultural reculturing process in PA education.
• To reflect on a decade of implementing a curricular culture approach in a PA program.
• To identify lessons learned from this curricular transformation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative reflection on a decade of curriculum redesign.
• Implementation of a 'curricular culture' approach.
• Analysis of pressures, intersections, and opportunities for re-engagement.

Main Results:

• A curricular culture approach embeds values into the learning environment.
• Significant cultural shifts were observed within the program.
• Substantial time investment and consistent communication were crucial.

Conclusions:

• Viewing PA curriculum as a culture facilitates meaningful change.
• Successful reculturing requires commitment to communication and onboarding.
• This approach offers a strategic alternative to incremental curriculum adjustments.