Objective: The authors discuss approaches to curricular goals, methods, and assessments in the education of medical students in psychiatry. Methods: Using current educational principles and opinions on curricular reform in medical student education, an outline for a core curriculum and an individualized approach to medical student education were developed. Results: A curricular outline addressing both content and organization was developed for all students as well as those specifically entering clinical psychiatry, neuroscience research, and primary care. Conclusions: In addition to a standard core curriculum there should be a tailored approach for certain subsets of students. The core curriculum should be an "ideal minimum" that recognizes the importance of evidence based medicine and is strategically planned and learner focused. (Contains 2 tables.)