Interdisciplinary integration in medical education: theory and method

The concept of integration of the medical curriculum is analysed in terms of three principles: (i) the philosophical principle of the unified universe; (ii) the theory of the structure of knowledge; and (iii) development creative thinking through ‘pattern’ formation and flow of relevant associations. The proposal is discussed to describe and classify methods of integration in six parameters: 1. scope of material integrated; 2. time of commencement; 3.teaching‐learning environment; 4. mental processes involved; 5. the student's role; and 6. direction. A description of integrating methods follows, all simultaneously used in the Faculty of Health Science, Ben‐Gurion University of Negev. The conclusion is that there is no ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way to integrate subject matter; each medical school may select a method appropriate for its goals, structure and constraints. 1982 Blackwell Publishing