As we approach the centennial of Flexner's seminal report on medical education, it would be appropriate to re-examine the fundamental role of the sciences in medical education. Today, advancements in biomedical science have exploded, producing a pressure to increase instruction on clinical application, behavioral, ethical and management knowledge and skills while maintaining a focus on the sciences fundamental to medicine and the core skills necessary for the clinical experiences.

This report will be an update on the progress of IAMSE's project to examine what constitutes the sciences fundamental to medicine, their value and role, where to place them in the curricula and how best to assess and ensure the learning.