An innovative curriculum called the "Regional Center Alternative Pathway," recently adopted by the Northwest Center for Medical Education (part of Indiana University's School of Medicine), is presented. The curriculum combines the traditional structure's didactic approach with a new problem-based tutorial curriculum. In this curriculum the emphasis is on the medical students' acquisition of the necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills of a lifelong learner. The academic program of the new curriculum, which integrates the traditional first- and second-year content into eight steps, is outlined. Other features of the new curriculum include: problem-based tutorial sessions, a minimum of lectures, and doctor/patient interaction. A 13-item list of selected references also is included. (DB)