A Practical Approach: Reform of the 6-Year Medical Curriculum at the Catholic University of Korea

This case study explores the ongoing curricular reform efforts at the College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, in response to the nationwide transition from the 2+4-year system to a 6-year integrated medical education model. To proactively address the shifting demands of the healthcare environment and future society, the institution launched two task forces to develop a future-oriented curriculum model grounded in the Catholic University of Korea’s distinctive educational philosophy. The first phase involved defining the core directions of future medical education through a structured consensus process and stakeholder engagement, including students and external experts. Guided by the T-SLICE framework, two curricular models were developed: a flexible, student-customized pathway and an improved version of the Omnibus Omnia curriculum. These models integrate early clinical exposure, research competence, humanistic training, and elements of the future healthcare system, such as artificial intelligence and digital medicine. In the second phase, the curriculum structure was built around eight educational pillars, with longitudinal learning pathways and staged learner development levels. Focus group discussions, consensus workshops, and a broad analysis of national and international best practices informed the planning process. In parallel, institutional efforts were made to establish an educational support office, integrate information technology and administrative systems, and secure physical and human infrastructure for sustainable implementation. This institutional experience offers practical insights into balancing a philosophical vision with operational feasibility in curriculum reform. The case highlights how a medical school can develop a context-sensitive, values-based, integrated curriculum that reflects both societal needs and the institution’s educational mission.