Community-Oriented/Based Medical Education: A Brief Review of Literature

Abstract

Community-Oriented/Based Medical Education (COME/CBME) is a progressive approach in medical education that emphasizes the integration of community needs and population health into the training of health professionals. This literature review examines the key concepts, historical background, definitions, and advantages of COME/CBME programs. It highlights the role of COME/CBME in increasing students' understanding of social and environmental factors in health, promoting health-oriented professionals, and addressing healthcare disparities in underserved areas. The characteristics of well-implemented CBME programs are discussed, including clearly defined objectives, organized activities, early integration into the curriculum, and active learning methods. The review also identifies the competencies developed through COME/CBME, such as public health practice, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, community development and advocacy, leadership and management, and research, ethics, and evidence-based practice. Furthermore, a taxonomy of CBME programs is presented, categorizing them based on service orientation, research orientation, and training focus. This review underscores the importance of COME/CBME in preparing healthcare professionals – through socially accountable medical schools – to meet the diverse health needs of communities and contribute to health promotion, disease prevention, and improved healthcare delivery.