[Generic competences in medical undergraduate education].

BACKGROUND

In medical practice physicians need both vocational and generic competences. The importance of generic competences In medical undergraduate curriculum is often poorly appreciated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We assessed by questionnaires the opinions of medical students of the importance of generic competences in medical practice and of their anticipated development during undergraduate medical education in the University of Turku.

RESULTS

Students thought that application of medical knowledge in practice, information acquisition, independent working and problem solving skills are important in medical practice and are also well-handled in undergraduate education. On the other hand, students felt that competences, like coping at work, tolerance of uncertainty and organizing skills are often needed in medical profession, but are insufficiently considered in basic education.

CONCLUSIONS

The balance between importance in medical practice and educational development of generic competences should be more explicitly considered in undergraduate medical teaching.