A student-centered, problem-based surgery clerkship.

In the academic year 1989-90, the department of surgery at one college of medicine revised its third-year clerkship to focus on students' learning decision-making skills and critical thinking (cognitive skills) and acquiring knowledge about surgery. Learning to perform procedures and tasks (psychomotor skills) would be accomplished in the required fourth-year acting internships. Problem-based learning (PBL) was chosen as the clerkship's primary instructional method. Comprehensive student and program evaluation systems were established. The response by faculty and students has been very positive. Students believe that the new clerkship has helped them increase their abilities in resource use, time management, and retention of knowledge. Faculty have noted students' increased eagerness and enthusiasm for learning.