Competency-based Medical Education

Competence Continuum, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Competence Continuum, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

 

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) has mandated a transition in residency training to Competence-By-Design (CBD), which is the RC’s version of competency-based medical education (CBME). CBD promotes greater accountability, flexibility and learner centeredness – residents will play a greater and more active role in their learning.  

The greater goal of CBD is to enhance patient care by improving learning and assessment across the continuum from residency to retirement, fostering lifelong learning. This will ensure that physicians continue to demonstrate the skills and behaviours needed to meet evolving patient needs. The RCPSC website provides a comprehensive description of Competence-By-Design (CBD).  

  1. Transition to Discipline (TTD) – roughly four months 
  2. Foundations of Discipline (FOD) – roughly 21 months 
  3. Core of Discipline (COD) – roughly 30 months 
  4. Transition to Practice (TTP) – roughly six months 

Learn more about CBD throughout Schulich Medicine and Western University 

Resident Orientation to CBD