Implementing Competency-Based Medical Education in Internal Medicine Residency Training Program: the Process and Impact on Residents' Satisfaction

BACKGROUND: Graduate medical education is shifting from the traditional apprenticeship model to a competency-driven model. Here we describe the design and implementation of competency-based medical education (CBME) in an internal medicine residency program, and report satisfaction survey results. METHODS: We redesigned the residency curriculum as CBME to be resident-centred, systematic, focused on general internal medicine, to provide experience in various care setting, and work-based assessment. In the second year of this CBME transition, we surveyed residents' overall satisfaction using 5-point Likert scale. Feedback on their training program was also analysed. RESULTS: The overall satisfaction score was 3.24 and thirteen residents (61.9%) answered that the preceptor's practical training in an educational atmosphere and improvement through training were the merits of the training program. However, residents complained about the working condition such as work overload. CONCLUSION: With the CBME implementation, most residents expressed satisfaction with the hospital's educational environment but they suffered from overwork. Further efforts to improve the educational program and environment are warranted.