Medical student education in paediatrics and child health: where are we going?

In most undergraduate medical curricula, learning is becoming less content based and the emphasis is changing to problem based learning, continuing self directed learning, and the use of a wide range of learning resources. Particular needs in paediatrics and child health are an increasing emphasis on learning in ambulatory care and community based health facilities, and on assessment processes which are formative and reflect the learning objectives appropriately. A wide range of resources is needed for learning at a time when teaching hospital and health system facilities face significant financial restraints.