title: Does a PBL-based medical curriculum predispose training in specific career paths? A systematic review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  North American medical schools have used problem-based learning (PBL) structured medical education for more than 60 years. However, it has only recently been introduced in other medical schools outside of North America. Since its inception, there has been the debate on whether the PBL learning process predisposes students to select certain career paths.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review available evidence to determine the predisposition of specific career paths when undertaking a PBL-based medical curriculum. The career path trajectory was determined as measured by official Matching Programs, self-reported questionnaires and surveys, and formally defined career development milestones.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic literature review was performed. PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and ERIC databases were analysed in addition to reference lists for appropriate inclusion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven studies fitting the inclusion criteria were identified. The majority of studies showed that PBL did not predispose a student to a career in a specific speciality (n = 7 out of 11 studies, 64%). However, three studies reported a significantly increased number of PBL graduates working in primary care compared to those from a non-PBL curriculum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PBL has been shown not to predispose medical students to a career in General Practice or any other speciality. Furthermore, a greater number of similar studies are required before a definitive conclusion can be made in the future.
authors.affiliation: James Paget University Hospital, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6LA, UK. jtsigarides@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: Jordan
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9893-8002
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tsigarides
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Laura R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Wingfield
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, St. George's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Myutan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kulendran
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D011320:Primary Health Care; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D012107:Research Design; D012577:Schools, Medical; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Career choice; Medical education; PBL; Primary care; Problem-based learning; Residency