This article examines studies that compare the use of problem-based learning (PBL) in medical training with the development of the traditional medical curriculum. The methodological design, a literature review of the subject with a qualitative approach, was based on an article search in databases and virtual libraries, with publications from 1998 to 2008, using the terms "medicine", "undergraduate education", "problem-based learning" and "traditional education". The material was studied using thematic content analysis. The discussion is based on results with use of PBL in undergraduate medical training, compared to the traditional medical curriculum. In conclusion, PBL in undergraduate medical education can be an alternative to traditional Brazilian curricular guidelines for medical training.
Problem-Based Learning; Education, medical; Education, medical, undergraduate
