• Korean Medical Education Review
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2011

Competency and competency-based education are topics of great interest to educators and administrators at most stages of undergraduate and postgraduate medical training. A competency-based approach in medical setting has been valued as a more effective way to strengthen learners' performance compared to the traditional education program. This article aims to explore theoretical and practical possibilities and limitations of competency-based medical education. We approached the topic in 3 gradual steps: the comprehension of background of competency-based education, the conceptual understanding of competency in professional education, and the exploration of possibilities and limitations of competency-based medical education. The last step of analysis was performed in three dimensions: educational objectives, references to judge performance, and performance evaluation criteria. In conclusion, we suggest 4 factors which need to be considered to implement a competency-based medical education.