PPSP USM Conducts Curriculum Review Workshops for MD Programme

Strengthening the future of medical education through structured curriculum review

The School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), is currently undertaking a comprehensive curriculum review of its Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme as part of its commitment to continuous quality improvement in medical education. To support this initiative, a series of focused Curriculum Review (CURE) workshops have been organised to evaluate key components of the existing curriculum and identify opportunities for enhancement.

In 2025, three Mini CURE workshops were successfully conducted with the participation of academic staff and curriculum leaders from the School. The first Mini CURE workshop focused on reviewing the curriculum structure, including the organization of programme phases and the sequencing of courses across the MD programme. The second Mini CURE workshop examined the assessment system, with discussions centred on strengthening assessment strategies and ensuring appropriate alignment with programme learning outcomes. The third Mini CURE workshop explored teaching and learning content as well as instructional methods, providing a platform for academic staff to review current practices and discuss strategies to further enhance student learning experiences.

Following Mini CURE 3, a series of follow-up meetings and discussions were conducted between medical educationists and phase coordinators to further refine the curriculum. These sessions involved a detailed review of the Borang Penawaran Kursus, including revisiting the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) and course topics to ensure clarity, relevance, and alignment with the programme’s educational goals. In addition, outreach discussions with clinical departments were carried out to ensure that course content remains aligned with the core competencies outlined by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). This engagement allows for greater integration between pre-clinical and clinical training while ensuring that the curriculum prepares students to meet national professional standards.

The next stage of the review process will involve Mini CURE 4, scheduled for 2026, which will focus on constructive alignment to ensure coherence between programme learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities, and assessment methods. The curriculum review process will culminate in a final CURE workshop, where the outcomes and recommendations from all four Mini CURE workshops will be presented to internal and external stakeholders. This session will provide an opportunity for broader feedback and further refinement of the proposed curriculum improvements. Through this collaborative and systematic effort, the School of Medical Sciences continues its commitment to strengthening the MD programme and preparing graduates who are well equipped to meet the evolving demands of healthcare and medical practice.