Women's Health National Collaborative Core Curriculum Project

In 1999, the Committee for University Teaching and Staff Development awarded the Project Organisers from Monash University a grant to develop a clear and relevant core curriculum for Women's Health. The Women's Health National Collaborative Core Curriculum (WHNCCC) has been developed by delegates from all eleven medical schools in Australia and two in New Zealand in response to the ever-expanding volume of scientific knowledge and the reduction in time available for teaching undergraduate medical education. The WHNCCC is student centred in that it clearly defines expected learning outcomes according to the domains of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

This curriculum is also 'women-focused' in that it breaks with the traditional limits implied by 'obstetrics and gynaecology'. The National Core Curriculum is formulated with reference to the health care of women from conception to old age, emphasises wellness and maintenance of health and extends beyond sexual and reproductive health. The overall aim of the WHNCCC is to present the undergraduate with a sound appreciation of principles in women's health which takes into account the woman according to her perception of self and as an individual in particular circumstances. The purpose of this round table discussion is to review the process undertaken during the development of this curriculum, present the structure and content of the curriculum, encourage feedback and comment from participants and promote implementation.