Integrating History and Biochemistry in Medical Education: A Framework for Contextualized Scientific Learning
Keywords:
medical education, history of medicine, biochemistry education, integrated curriculum, spiral learning, competency-based educationAbstract
Medical education is undergoing a profound transformation driven by competency-based frameworks, integration of basic and clinical sciences, and renewed interest in the historical foundations of medicine. Among the foundational disciplines, history and biochemistry are often taught separately, yet both offer complementary perspectives essential for developing reflective, scientifically grounded physicians. This review examines how historical analysis and biochemistry can be meaningfully integrated in contemporary medical education to enhance conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and professional identity formation. Drawing on recent developments in curriculum design, educational theory, and digital learning technologies, the article explores how historical narratives contextualize biochemical discoveries, while biochemical mechanisms provide scientific depth to historical case studies. The paper synthesizes evidence from the past decade on integrated curricula, spiral learning, and interdisciplinary teaching, highlighting successful pedagogical models and persistent challenges.
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