AIM: To investigate the effect of problem based learning(PBL) teaching mode in clinical learning. METHODS: Forty-eight students were divided into 2 groups, and PBL and PPT teaching modes were applied separately, then the enthusiasm of learning was observed. The degree of accessing to knowledge and the accuracy rate of diagnosis were surveyed. RESULTS: The learning enthusiasm of PBL group was significantly higher than the other group, and a questionnaire survey showed that PBL mode was favored by students, and in the simulation of diagnostic teaching, the accuracy rate of the group of students who received PBL was obviously higher than that of the other group. CONCLUSION: PBL teaching mode can effectively enhance the initiative and enthusiasm of students, and improve the effect of clinical learning.