The Hidden Curriculum in Postgraduate Medical Education: a Commentary

J Cancer Educ. 2021 Apr;36(2):435-437. doi: 10.1007/s13187-020-01816-z.

Abstract

The hidden curriculum is the set of implicit influences which occur within health care organizations. The hidden curriculum has a tremendous impact on medical trainees and practicing physicians alike due to its influence in the domains of policy development, evaluation, resource allocation and institutional slang. We explore and reflect on the various ways in which the hidden curriculum impacts medical trainees and professionals in academic medical institutions.

Keywords: Hidden curriculum; Informal curriculum; Medical education; formal curriculum.

MeSH terms

  • Curriculum
  • Education, Medical*
  • Humans