Designing and implementing a unique model of horizontally and vertically integrated teaching methodology for the students of pre-clinical years

Medical education is shifting from traditional subject-based models to integrated approaches. But, many institutions struggle with implementation due to a lack of proper guidelines eventually returning to the traditional curriculum.We tried to fill these gaps by designing and implementing a unique model of Horizontally and Vertically Integrated Teaching System (HAVIS)that aimed to: Document a stepwise guide for HAVIS implementation &Develop multidisciplinary teaching materials and integrated examination tools.This observational study involved 50 faculty members and 247 third-year medical students at IAU during 2023–2024 academic year. Ten modular committees, comprising experts from all basic science departments, were formed. The implementation followed a structured "Stepwise Guide". Each modular team formulated a study guide that featured 10–12 clinical scenarios with horizontally and vertically integrated discipline-specific "extended stems". Each module ended with an exam including 30–40% of horizontally and vertically integrated questions. In a cohort comparison, students exposed to HAVIS showed a statistically significant increase in the “A" grades (from 11% to 22%) and decrease in failure (F) rates (from 21.65% to 13.5%) (p < 0.05). In addition, 85% of students and 95% of faculty members believed that HAVIS is better than traditional teaching system and should be continued in future. Therefore, we conclude that HAVIS is an effective teaching methodology that stimulates deep and meaningful learning. Moreover, we have designed a “Stepwise integrated curriculum guide” and “Horizontally and vertically integrated modular Study guides” which can serve as valuable tools for case-based teaching in pre-clinical years at National and International level.