Evidence-Based Problem Solving: Liberal Education and Preparation for the Health Professions

In recent years, the health professions have moved from "eminence-based" solutions to "evidence-based" problem solving. This evolution provides new opportunities to implement integrative curricula for those preparing for the health professions. These new curricula can be built on the Essential Learning Outcomes identified through the Association of American Colleges and Universities' (AAC&U) Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP) initiative. Evidence-based problem solving represents an integrative approach to the application of scientific principles across the natural, behavioral, and social sciences. It can be an especially effective method for achieving the fourth LEAP Essential Learning Outcome: integrative and applied learning. That is, it can provide a basis for "synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general and specialized studies demonstrated through the application of knowledge, skill, and responsibilities to new settings and complex problems." (Contains 3 figures and 1 note.)