CBME
Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) is an approach to postgraduate medical education that prepares residents for independent practice by focusing on the abilities they need to provide safe, effective, and patient-centred care. Through progressive learning, regular feedback, and assessment in real clinical settings, residents develop and demonstrate the competencies expected of practicing physicians.
CBME in Canada
CBME is implemented across Canadian residency programs using two national frameworks:
Family Medicine |
Specialty Programs |
Triple C Competency-Based Curriculum |
Competence by Design (CBD) |
Developed by the College of Family Physicians of Canada |
Developed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada |
Prepares residents to provide comprehensive, continuous, and patient-centred care. |
Organizes specialty training into developmental stages, with progression based on demonstrated competence. |
Although the frameworks differ, both emphasize learner development through meaningful clinical experiences, regular feedback, and progressive achievement of competencies.
Excellence in Competency-Based Medical Education at Dalhousie
Dalhousie University is committed to excellence in competency-based medical education through ongoing collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Our approach supports high-quality learning experiences that prepare residents to provide safe, effective, and patient-centred care.
Excellence in CBME is supported through:
- High-quality clinical learning experiences that allow residents to progressively develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required for independent practice.
- Meaningful assessment and feedback that support resident growth and lifelong learning.
- Faculty engagement and development to foster effective coaching, observation, and support of learners.
- Continuous quality improvement through collaboration, evaluation, and alignment with national standards in postgraduate medical education.
Through these efforts, Dalhousie continues to advance postgraduate medical education and support the development of physicians who are prepared to meet the needs of patients and communities.