Haider A Naqvi.
Medical educational: the development of intellect.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;62(10):1102-3.

Competency based training looks to build the (key) skills, knowledge and attitude towards the discipline.1 There is an emphasis on continuous professional development through lifelong learning, research and critical thinking. The evidence based medicine also looks to develop the critical reading and interpretation skills of the trainees so that they can cope with the ever-changing scene of medical —education.2 The fundamental focus of medical education is to define the tables of specifications, the curriculum outline and the teaching Rota\'s. The critical question to ask is: what is the fundamental philosophy of medical education? The purpose of this write-up is to encourage the readers to ponder on the philosophy of education and come-up with constructive formulations. Science being a global phenomenon relies on the (unified) standards of training. Adherence to these standards brings recognition and worth (to the degree). Experimentation, without background training is perilous. However, recognized universities bring in measured change in the teaching methods and curriculum through discussions and dialogues. Ingenuity is encouraged and followed with audits and appraisals both from faculty and students. Stagnation brings in decadence and disinterest. It is not surprising to see the academic faculty in the recognized Universities to (co) author a book, as they move-up the ladder of professorship. Situation is grimmer in the context of Pakistan; lacking academic discourse, faculty is inundated with (clinical or administrative) services. Pakistan is greatly in need of training and trained people familiar with the concepts of medical education. There is a dire need of direction, objectives and life-long learning skills that enable individuals to seek new knowledge. In an increasingly technical and rapidly developing world, change is feared and not readily accepted especially by more traditionally trained medical faculty. In the words of Winston Churchill, "If we do not take change by the hand, it will surely take us by the throat."3

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