Factors Influencing Curricular Reform; an Irish Perspective

There are various influences and obstacles when planning an educational curriculum. However, it is imperative that we overcome these barriers and arm our future doctors with the knowledge and skills to serve the needs of the 21st Century patient. As we will discuss, the imprint of globalisation on the landscape of Irish medicine highlights the importance of delivering a diverse curriculum with international dimensions so that knowledge and skills can transfer across borders. We will also explore how medical emigration has a negative impact on the delivery of services in Ireland and in maintaining a sustainable workforce. In addition, financial constraints will always play a role in the logistics of Medical education and it is important that we try to get the best value for money by adding more cost effective virtual learning modules to the traditional classroom based approach. Further research is needed into career satisfaction within Medicine. If we can begin to understand what motivates doctors to stay within the Irish Medical system, then we can design a curriculum with retention of graduates in mind. We believe that if we foster a culture of education, guidance and support in our universities and hospitals, we will ensure that a strong, competent and resilient breed of doctors emerge to serves future generation.