Vertical integration in clinical years of medical education

Background: Integration is one of the main principles of contemporary medical education. Horizontal integration necessitates the coordination of teaching and learning activities within a year or a block, while vertical integration can be achieved by the contribution of basic and clinical sciences in all phases of medical education. Although vertical integration is achieved in many programs during the first 2-3 years (pre-clinical years), it is usually disregarded in clinical clerkships.Methods: A clinical-basic science integration (CBSI) program was implemented at Alfaisal University College of Medicine during 4th year clerkships of Surgery, Obstetrics-Gynecology and Internal Medicine and the topics discussed were related to those clerkships. The basic sciences disciplines involved were: microbiology, pathology and pharmacology.Results: A five points Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect the results of the students. There was a satisfaction level of over 80% for most of the questions and topics.Conclusion: Basic and clinical science integration (correlation) sessions are the way to complement vertical integration in clinical years. Integrated sessions should be planned and implemented in all clerkships with appropriate basic science topics. In order to ensure complete integration, these sessions should be coordinated by a team of basic scientists and clinicians.