Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) is a global movement that aims to improve health professions education by focusing on outcomes. It challenges traditional approaches to training and emphasizes the need for graduates to have a minimum level of competence. CBME has its roots in the 1978 World Health Organization working paper, but it has taken decades for the approach to gain widespread acceptance. The implementation of CBME requires a system change and the adoption of five key components: defined stages of training, direct observation of work, clear defined competencies, tailored teaching, and programmatic assessment. While CBME has been implemented in various countries, there are challenges in adapting it to local contexts and ensuring fidelity to the core principles. Mental models play a crucial role in driving transformative change and achieving the goals of CBME. The future of CBME lies in further research and understanding of what works in different settings. Lessons learned from implementing CBME include the importance of a patient-centered approach and the continuous pursuit of improvement in medical education.

Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) is a global movement that aims to improve health professions education by focusing on outcomes.

CBME requires a system change and the adoption of five key components: defined stages of training, direct observation of work, clear defined competencies, tailored teaching, and programmatic assessment.

The implementation of CBME varies across different countries and contexts, but it is important to maintain fidelity to the core principles.

Mental models play a crucial role in driving transformative change and achieving the goals of CBME.

Further research is needed to understand what works in different settings and to continuously improve medical education.