Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

System dynamics in medical education: a tool for life

  • Reflection
  • Published:
Advances in Health Sciences Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A course in system dynamics has been included in the first year of our university’s six-year medical curriculum. System Dynamics is a discipline that facilitates the modelling, simulation and analysis of a wide range of problems in terms of two fundamental concepts viz. rates and levels. Many topics encountered in the medical school curriculum, from biochemistry to sociology, can be understood in this way. The course was introduced following a curriculum review process in which it was concluded that knowledge of systems would serve to enhance problem-solving skills and clinical reasoning. The specific characteristics of system dynamics, the widespread use of digital computers, and the availability of suitable software made it possible to introduce the course at this level. The syllabus comprises a brief review of relevant mathematics followed by system dynamics topics taught in the context of examples, which are primarily but not exclusively medical. It is anticipated that this will introduce new thought processes to medical students, including holistic thinking and improved graphical visualisation skills.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Dienstag, J. L. (2008). Relevance and rigor in premedical education (including supplement: Report of the Working Group on Admission Requirements, Harvard Medical School, August 9, 2004). New England Journal of Medicine, 359, 221–224.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forrester, J. W. (1961). Industrial dynamics. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forrester, J. W. (1968). Principles of systems (2nd Preliminary Edition). Cambridge Massachusetts: MIT Press.

  • Forrester, J. W. (1969). Urban dynamics. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gallaher, E. J. (1996). Biological system dynamics: From personal discovery to universal application. Simulation, 66, 243–357.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, M. R. (1974). Study notes in system dynamics. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Wright-Allen Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hargrove, J. L. (1998). Dynamic modelling in the health sciences. Berlin: Springer.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Homer, J. B., & Hirsch, G. B. (2006). System dynamics modeling for public health: Background and opportunities. American Journal of Public Health, 96(3), 452–458.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biomedical Engineering Research Group, School of Electrical & Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Johannesburg, WITS 2050, South Africa

    David M. Rubin, Christopher L. Richards, Robyn F. R. Herron & Megan J. Russell

  2. Department of Haematology & Molecular Medicine, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Penelope A. C. Keene

  3. Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Janice E. Paiker

  4. School of Computational & Applied Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    A. Rosemary T. Gray

  5. Systems & Control Research Group, School of Electrical & Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Brian Wigdorowitz

Authors
  1. David M. Rubin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christopher L. Richards
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Penelope A. C. Keene
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Janice E. Paiker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. A. Rosemary T. Gray
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Robyn F. R. Herron
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Megan J. Russell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Brian Wigdorowitz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David M. Rubin.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rubin, D.M., Richards, C.L., Keene, P.A.C. et al. System dynamics in medical education: a tool for life. Adv in Health Sci Educ 17, 203–210 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-010-9237-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-010-9237-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation