Development and Early Implementation of a Student-Centered Integrated 6-Year Medical Curriculum: Challenges and Lessons Learned

From October 2020 to February 2022, Konkuk University School of Medicine developed a 6-year integrated curriculum aimed at establishing a student- centered, outcome-based medical education model. A curriculum reform task force was formed, and graduate outcomes and core competencies were defined through faculty workshops and student input. Eight subcommittees were organized to design the curriculum, including basic and clinical integrative courses, clinical clerkships, medical humanities and social medicine, and electives. Key innovations include early research education, expanded electives, and community-based clinical experiences. The curriculum spans from M1 to M6, with foundational science and liberal arts completed in the premedical phase and medical studies beginning in the second semester of M1. Integrated clinical sciences are introduced in M3, followed by 2.5 years of clinical clerkships starting in M4. A longitudinal spiral research module culminates in M6 with a 4-week intensive research period. Community- based clerkships are conducted in regional public hospitals and health centers to promote social accountability. An ongoing national medical policy dispute has delayed the full implementation of the curriculum, and only M1 and M2 have been delivered. Nevertheless, interim evaluations showed positive outcomes, with self-assessment scores of 4.29 and 4.44 (out of 5) from M1 and M2 students, respectively. Although challenges such as limited stakeholder engagement, delivery of basic sciences, and clinical site constraints remain, this initiative represents a strong foundation for more flexible, authentic, and student-centered medical education.