Objective To explore the application of problem-based learning （PBL） combined with case-based learning （CBL） teaching mode in the teaching of diagnosis and treatment of heart valvular disease for trainees. Methods A total of 64 clinical medical students who received standardized residency training from February 2017 to February 2024 were included and divided into a test group and a control group by random number table method, with 32 students in each group. The relevant teaching data of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Results The test group's theoretical scores （89.76±0.41） and practical skill scores （91.42±0.78） were significantly higher than those of the control group （82.34±0.78 and 81.68±1.63） （P<0.05）. The scores of the test group in teaching content, teaching method, teaching effect, teaching ability, and teaching attitude were higher than those of the control group （P<0.05）. Conclusion The teaching mode of PBL combined with CBL can not only enhance students' understanding of clinical teaching content including theoretical knowledge and practical skills, but also improve their ability to find and solve problems, which effectively improve their doctor-patient communication ability.