Objective To explore the practical method and teaching effect of problem-based learning (PBL) pattern in teaching of gastrointestinal disease for seven-year-program students during their internal medical probation.Methods The traditional pattern (gastrointestinal diseases) and PBL pattern (hepatobiliary diseases) were applied in these students to assess the teaching effects by exam scores and questionnaire.Results ① There was no significant difference between traditional training and PBL by exam scores (P＞0.05).② The PBL approach was widely accepted by students,which could contribute to the improvement of their learning motivation.It developed skills,including self-directed learning,summarizing,and clinical thinking capability and so on.Conclusion The PBL approach is a practical learning strategy that can improve the teaching effect; therefore it should be wildly practiced in future works.