Beyond Traditional Pedagogy: Problem-Based Learning as a Transformative Approach in Medical Education

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) has emerged as an innovative and effective pedagogical approach in medical education. This student-centered methodology promotes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and self- directed learning skills—competencies essential for training physicians capable of meeting contemporary healthcare challenges. This systematic review examines the theoretical foundations of PBL, methodology for implementation, and evidence for its effectiveness in medical education. Through comprehensive analysis of the liter- ature and examination of PBL implementation across various educational contexts, we highlight its significance as a transformative approach to medical education. The evidence presented demonstrates that PBL enhances clinical reasoning, knowl- edge retention, and interprofessional collaboration, ultimately improving the qual- ity of care provided by practitioners trained under this approach. Finally, we offer evidence-based recommendations for effective implementation of PBL in medical curricula, addressing common challenges and limitations.