Examining the Effectiveness of a Clinical Skills Curriculum: A Critical Analysis

The clinical skills curriculum for first- and second-year medical students at the American University of Beirut is a key component of the "Impact Curriculum," a competency-based framework introduced in 2013. It promotes active learning, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-reflection through small-group sessions focused on history taking, physical examination, communication, and clinical reasoning. Assessments include Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), and real-time feedback. Strengths include clear objectives, diverse teaching methods, and early interprofessional exposure. Challenges involve improving training in abnormal findings, aligning with organ-based content, managing OSCE stress, and enhancing faculty support. Continuous refinement ensures graduates deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.