A competency-based educational program for future physicians studying reproductive biology was developed at the University of Utah College of Medicine. The development took the form of a generic model specifying a linear sequence of steps, namely: assess competency needs, specify competencies, determine competency components and performance levels, identify and implement competency attainment procedures, establish assessment of compentency attainment, and validate all system components. A functional analysis was performed on each of these steps. In the future it is hoped to eliminate a time-bound curriculum in the sophomore reproductive biology course and substitute a set of self-learning modules where students would learn content independently, using their own personal choices of method of teaching. (WH)