CHANGES IN MBBS COURSE: KNOW WHAT HAS CHANGED

MBBS, or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, is a popular undergraduate medical degree program pursued by students aspiring to become medical professionals. The course duration is five and a half years, which includes a mandatory one-year internship. To gain admission to MBBS in India, candidates must have passed the 12th grade from a recognized board. For MBBS, students should study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in their 11th and 12th grades. Admission to MBBS requires passing the NEET exam. The Department of Medical Education has set a maximum age limit for admission to MBBS and BDS courses. Under the new rules, candidates over the age of 25 in the general category will not be eligible for UG courses, while the age limit for the reserved category will be 30 years.

This is significant news for those studying medicine or preparing for NEET. The pattern of medical education in India has been changed. The National Medical Commission is now implementing a Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum in MBBS studies. New guidelines have been issued regarding this. The new CBME guidelines will be mandatory for all medical colleges in India, and institutions will have to strictly follow them. These guidelines will replace the previous curriculum and will be implemented starting with the 2024-25 MBBS batch. CBME stands for Competency-Based Medical Education. This curriculum is designed for a new generation of Indian medical graduates. It will equip new doctors with the necessary knowledge, skills, and vision to work as primary healthcare providers. Unlike the traditional syllabus, which emphasizes theoretical knowledge, the CBME curriculum focuses on practical competency and real-world applications. It ensures that medical students can effectively diagnose, treat, and manage various medical conditions. The syllabus will focus on five key points:

1. Outcome-Based Learning: The new curriculum shifts from broad competencies to detailed and phase-specific subject competencies. It ensures that students are not only familiar with theoretical concepts but can also apply them in practical scenarios. The focus is on preparing medical graduates who are ready to handle real-life situations from the first day of their practice.
2. Integrated Approach: Emphasis is on advancing subjects by integrating them both vertically and horizontally. Horizontal integration means aligning topics across different subjects in one phase, while vertical integration connects subjects across various phases. This approach helps students understand the interconnections between different medical subjects, enabling them to learn the application of their knowledge.
3. Ethics and Communication: The NMC’s new guidelines emphasize the development of ethical values, communication skills, and professionalism. A new module called AETCOM (Attitude, Ethics, and Communication) has been introduced, focusing on instilling these essential qualities in future doctors. The module aims to inculcate values of empathy, respect, and professional conduct in doctors, which are crucial for patient care.
4. Learner-Centric Education: The new MBBS curriculum is more focused on learners and patients. It promotes more active participation and self-directed learning among medical students. Interactive teaching methods, such as problem-based learning, case studies, and community-based learning, have been included.
5. Emphasis on Practical Skills: Practical skills and hands-on experience are at the core of the new curriculum. Students will be trained to perform essential medical procedures, manage emergencies, and provide comprehensive patient care. This will ensure that new doctors are better prepared to serve as first-contact physicians in the community.