In my recent inaugural lecture, I shared insights into an evolution in orthopaedic education that I've had the privilege to be involved in as the Director of the University of Cape Town’s Orthopaedic Research Unit. We observed a crucial challenge where our medical students faced difficulties retaining knowledge and applying it practically, leading to a gap in their preparedness for clinical practice. Our limited contact time with them before they entered private practice or primary care service further compounded this issue. See Information on this lecture.
A collaborative effort within our team led to a fundamental change in our teaching approach. We aimed to equip medical students with a robust understanding of orthopaedics while transitioning them into primary care physicians with an emphasis on symptom-oriented treatment. This transformation was vital to ensure their ability to identify and address orthopaedic symptoms effectively.
Our curriculum redesign was rooted in a consensus study with teachers and students but also in the actual referral patterns observed in Cape Town hospitals. This allowed us to prioritize topics like trauma and infections, which were of genuine interest to our students and primary care doctors. We actively involved students in the creation of educational material, seeking their input to ensure relevance and accessibility. Our goal was not simply to create a textbook but to enhance it with engaging elements to facilitate a more enjoyable learning experience.
This collective effort resulted in the development of an acclaimed textbook and various visual learning aids, making complex orthopaedic concepts more approachable for a broader audience. Through this collaborative process, we aimed to foster a more engaging and inclusive learning environment.
Additionally, we recognized the significance of integrating secondary-level hospitals into our teaching framework to provide comprehensive training for orthopaedic registrars. This integration allowed for a more hands-on and practical learning experience, focusing on essential assessment skills and establishing a cohesive departmental culture.
In essence, we remain committed to continuous improvement and learning. By actively seeking feedback from students and registrars, our aim is to refine and adapt our orthopaedic training program to better meet the needs of our learners and the evolving healthcare landscape.
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