VENUS AND FREUD - AN EDUCATIONAL-OPPORTUNITY

Objective: To discuss the importance of genitourinary medicine as a co re component for a new problem based medical undergraduate curriculum and to describe the advantages of consensus group method as a means of identifying learning objectives for an integrated course. Methods: A group of experts in the field of sexual health was convened around the module on sexual health. It was led by a genitourinary specialist and aided by a curriculum facilitator. Group contributors represented a w ide variety of disciplines and included a medical student. The group m et on three occasions for 1.5 hours. Results: The identified learning objectives are presented under the course themes. The values and relev ance of the individual objectives are discussed with particular refere nce to an integrated curriculum which combines clinical and basic scie nce in a problem based learning (PBL) format. The communication skills and attitudes necessary to take a competent sexual history are stress ed. Links with other relevant modules in the PBL curriculum are descri bed to show how the topic of sexual health develops throughout the cou rse. Learning methods, resources and assessment procedures are also ou tlined. Conclusion: The educational potential of sexual health and beh aviour as a core topic for a novel integrated course is considerable a nd merits a greater importance than it appears to receive in current u ndergraduate courses.