[4 directions and a strategy for the foreseen changes in medical education].

The curricular renewal of Medical studies is a priority of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Chile. After an initial phase of analysis done in 1994, the process must be accomplished through the elaboration of proposals in 1995-96 and their concretion in 1996-97. The new curriculum construction must be based, according to the Dean, on four general principles. First, the professional profile of the physician for the new century, mainly endowed with personal, scientific and technical conditions that allow him to deal with prevalent diseases not impairing the development of highly qualified specialities. Second, the health team, permitting the multidisciplinary work of other professions in health care and teaching activities. Third, an education based on how to learn rather than on what to learn, on academic autonomy of students and on flexibility of subjects. Fourth, curriculum and methodologies must be modified leading to active, responsible and updated learning.