The Role of Problem-based Learning in Post-graduate Pain Medicine Education?

Abstract

Doctors are expected to assist, teach, train and assess colleagues at almost all stages of their careers yet doctors themselves have received little formal training on how to teach. Teaching is as much a science as an art. Teachers should know their audience to help personalize the learning experience. We propse that substituting a traditional lecture series structure with a postgraduate Problem Based Learning (PBL) structure in the context of a pain medicine educational program could improve trainee satisfaction and PBL experience. The implementation of a PBL system into a pain medicine postgraduate program created a positive learning atmosphere, improved the trainee satisfaction and ultimately should enrich the learning experience in the area of pain medicine. Adapting to the learning needs of individuals interested in pain medicine is important so that we create a positive learning atmosphere, improve the trainee satisfaction and enrich the learning experience in the area. Then perhaps more young doctors will uncover the professional enjoyment and exciting challenges pain medicine provides those of us already involved on a daily basis.