Towards behavioural sciences in undergraduate training: A core curriculum

There is strong evidence to link biological, behavioural, psychological, and social variables to health, illness and disease. But this knowledge has not been successfully incorporated into standard medical practice. There is a general accord that a simple disease-based model of clinical practice is inadequate and that there is need to change the approach of doctors to include a better understanding of behavioural issues. The need to integrate Behavioural Sciences as an integral component of medical training is well recognised. PMDC initiated these efforts in 2005 but since then little progress has been made towards developing a core curriculum. This aim of the present article is to initiate a concerted effort towards this direction in Pakistan. We have outlined specific objectives keeping the recommended domains for BS in mind. In addition, knowledge and skillsbased learning outcomes have also been defined.