Chinese Journal of Medical Education ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (8): 573-578.DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20250815-00960

• Curriculum Reform and Development • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Construction and practice of clinical skills course for international students in China by integrating digital intelligent resources

Li Wei1, Ma Siyuan1, Hui Jialiang2, Yan Maidong1, Liang Xiyue3, Zhou You4, Wan Liya4, Yuan Yiming5, Sun Xiexu4, Hu Zhenfu6   

  1. 1Medical Simulation Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
    2Department of Renal Transplant, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
    3Bachelor Degree Candidate, Stomatology Major, Enrolled in 2021, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
    4Bachelor Degree Candidate, Stomatology Major, Enrolled in 2022, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
    5Bachelor Degree Candidate, Clinical Medicine Major (Chinese-taught Class 2), Enrolled in 2022, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China;
    6Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
  • Received:2025-08-15 Published:2026-07-29
  • Contact: Li Wei, Email: wei.li_nfyy@qq.com
  • Supported by:
    Teaching Quality and Teaching Reform Engineering Project of Guangdong Provincial Universities in 2023 (No. 〔2024〕9 of Guangdong Provincial Department of Education); Industry-University Cooperation and Collaborative Education Project of the Ministry of Education in 2023 (231104794164540); Key Special Project of Teaching Reform Research and Practice on International Education of Southern Medical University in 2024 Academic Year (2024GJG005); College Students′ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Southern Medical University in 2024 (202412121386)

Abstract: In order to systematically enhance the clinical competency of international medical students in China, Southern Medical University has independently developed and delivered specialized clinical skills courses for these students since 2018, guided by outcome-based education (OBE) and competency-based education (CBE) theories. The overall effectiveness of curriculum implementation is comprehensively assessed through students′ academic performance, questionnaire feedback, and relevant curriculum construction outcomes. By 2024, a total of six cohorts have completed the courses, with a cumulative enrollment of 482 international students. The proportion of students with excellent academic performance increased from 42.4% (39/92) in the first cohort to 62.8% (27/43) in the sixth cohort, whereas the failure rate decreased from 5.4% (5/92) in the initial cohort to zero in the sixth. Post-unit questionnaire surveys administered annually since 2021 indicated high overall satisfaction among international students: 86.7% (560/646) of respondents expressed satisfaction with the curriculum design, 87.9% (568/646) acknowledged the rationality of teaching methodologies, 87.9% (568/646) gave positive ratings to teacher-student interaction, and 87.0% (562/646) were willing to recommend the courses as high-quality undergraduate programs. Additionally, international student teams supported by the curriculum have won awards for two consecutive years in the national learning in China-clinical thinking and skills competition for international students. Supported by this curriculum construction initiative, six innovation and entrepreneurship projects at the national, provincial and university levels have been successfully approved, and three teacher-student collaborative research outcomes have achieved industrial transformation. Furthermore, the courses have been accredited as Guangdong provincial first-class offline undergraduate courses and Guangdong provincial university demonstrative ideological and political courses. In conclusion, the established clinical skills courses can effectively motivate international students′ learning initiative, facilitate their proficient grasp of core clinical skills, and have gained wide recognition from learners and educational administrative authorities.

Key words: Clinical medicine, International students in China, Clinical skills, Curriculum development

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