From Yoda to Sackett: The future of psychiatry medical student education

Objective: The authors discuss approaches to curricular goals, methods, and assessments in the education of medical students in psychiatry. Methods: Using current educational principles and opinions on curricular reform in medical student education, an outline for a core curriculum and an individualized approach to medical student education were developed. Results: A curricular outline addressing both content and organization was developed for all students as well as those specifically entering clinical psychiatry, neuroscience research, and primary care. Conclusions: In addition to a standard core curriculum there should be a tailored approach for certain subsets of students. The core curriculum should be an "ideal minimum" that recognizes the importance of evidence based medicine and is strategically planned and learner focused.