Medical programmes
Report by Professor Arnold Hill, Dean of Medical Programmes
The School of Medicine has successfully delivered three years of the new Transforming Healthcare Education Programme (THEP) curriculum, and we are already seeing the effect on students of more small group teaching, continuous appraisal throughout the year, fewer major examinations and a personalised tutor programme. The less stressful learning environment produces better educational outcomes.
The feedback from the students has been excellent. We think ultimately this will produce better, more rounded doctors who will be educated in a more enjoyable way, with a new assessment programme based on the GPA scoring system. The six-week module of preparation for clinical practice in Year 3, which we delivered at the end of Year 2, was particularly successful.
Over the past year we have been preparing for the implementation of Year 4 of the curriculum, which consists of the specialties of obstetrics, paediatrics, psychiatry, general practice, medicine and surgery which will commence in September 2025. We undertook a review of the order and volume of the content for the first three years of the curriculum. As a result, we are taking a phased approach to rationalise the volume of information we are providing to the students.
At the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Conference 2025 in Bangkok, Professor Gozie Offiah, Director of Curriculum at the School of Medicine, presented RCSI’s transformative approach to undergraduate medical education. The presentation showcased RCSI’s Personal Tutor Programme and the integrated programmatic assessment strategy which aligns knowledge, clinical skills and professional and personal identity to support lifelong learning and real-world readiness.
International delegates commended the curriculum as progressive and innovative, highlighting the focus on competency-based learning and its use of diverse teaching methods, including case-based learning and assessment modalities, entrustable professional activities (EPAs), portfolios and progress testing, and its emphasis on continuous personalised feedback.
The curriculum was recognised for addressing global concerns about the future medical workforce and for exemplifying best practices in competency-based education. The personal tutor programme was praised for a structured, feedback-driven support system which enhances student engagement, academic performance and well-being. Professor Offiah highlighted to delegates the student dashboard, strategic study planning and regular mentoring to demonstrate RCSI’s commitment to holistic student development. RCSI was recognised for delivering a truly transformative model that prepares graduates to serve not only themselves but also healthcare systems and societies.
We have now completed three years of a five-year implementation programme and are proud to be leading curriculum reform in Ireland.
Physician Associate Studies
RCSI offers the only physician associate (PA) education programme in Ireland. Our 86 graduates continue to provide high-quality medical and surgical care to patients across the country in both public and private health care facilities.
The programme supports RCSI’s strategic goals through our commitment to health and societal impact, particularly in health workforce innovation and capacity building. The role of the physician associate has demonstrated positive impact on patients and clinical teams alike. We are also committed to student success, supporting every student’s learning needs and providing transformative didactic and clinical education.
Faculty-led research into the role of the Irish PA supports the government’s health workforce policy and promotes a greater understanding of the profession within the health system.
In November 2024, a delegation of American PA leaders representing accreditation and certification bodies visited RCSI to learn more about our programme. The delegation ecognised RCSI as a leader in PA education across Europe and the UK, citing our strong institutional commitment, graduate success and innovative approach to expanding the number of Irish PAs through hybrid education.
RCSI has been invited to serve as the pilot site for international accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the PA. This recognition would further enhance the programme’s reputation and provide opportunities for RCSI graduates to pursue postgraduate training in the United States.
