Medical Education - Page 6
integumentary, endocrine, and reproductive. This
type of teaching is known as
"back to back"; that is, the normal aspects of
the anatomy, chemistry, physiology,
and pharmacology are considered in relation to
abnormal or pathological princi-
ples.
6. Use of visual aids. These and other modern
methods of instruction are much
more widely used, although their effectiveness
cannot yet be evaluated.
7. Taking qualifying examinations. In many
schools students are encouraged to
take such examinations before beginning certain
basic science courses. If suc-
cessful, they may proceed to other areas or
disciplines without further course-
work in the subject they demonstrated
competence in.
8. Introduction of more elective time. This
permits the student to spend additional
time in areas of special interest, thus
facilitating the choice of and preparation
for a specialty or becoming more proficient in
a selected area.
9. A slow national trend toward sweeping
curricular change with an emphasis on
communication skills. Thus far these changes
have taken place at Harvard
University, University of Pittsburgh, Johns
Hopkins University, University of
Michigan, University of Toronto, and
Northwestern University. Consistent with
national trends, the new curriculum emphasizes
active self-directed learning rather
than rote memorization. The supporters of this
change feel that medical "facts"
become obsolete so quickly that it is pointless
to force students to memorize them.
Rather, they believe students should be trained
to be "lifelong learners."
10. Accelerating the program of studies. A very
small number of schools have
offered their most promising students
opportunities to complete their studies in
less than four years. The schools listed below
have standard four-year programs
and may offer an accelerated three-year
option.
Baylor College of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University
Northwestern University
Ohio State University
SUNY at Buffalo
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of North Carolina
University of Texas Medical School at
Galveston
University of Washington
A number of schools shortened their standard
curriculum during World War II as
well as in the early 1970s. However, the
enthusiasm for the three-year program dimin-
ished markedly, and all schools now offer a
four-year program as a requirement for all
students.
A recent accelerated program has been
introduced that incorporates the first year of
post graduate training (PGY1) in the standard
four-year MD program into a single unit.
The goal of this program, which is so far
offered only in a limited number of schools, is
to encourage medical students to elect to enter
primary care careers through family prac-
tice or internal medicine. You should inquire
at your school of interest whether such a
program is offered there.
11. Lengthening the program of studies. If it
proves necessary, some medical
schools permit students to extend their
educational program for a year. Among
such schools are:
Boston University
Creighton University
Howard University
Medical College of Wisconsin
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