The Merits and Challenges of Three-Year Medical School Curricula: Time for an Evidence-Based Discussion.
The debate about three-year medical school curricula has resurfaced recently, driven by rising education debt burden and a predicted physician shortage. In this Perspective, the authors call for an evidence-based discussion of the merits and challenges of three-year curricula. They examine published evidence that suggests that three-year curricula are viable, including studies on three-year curricula in (1) U.S. medical schools in the 1970s and 1980s, (2) two Canadian medical schools with more than four decades of experience with such curricula, and (3) accelerated family medicine and internal medicine programs. They also briefly describe the new three-year programs that are being implemented at eight U.S. medical schools, including their own. Finally, they offer suggestions regarding how to enhance the discussion between the proponents of and those with concerns about three-year curricula.
J.R. Raymond Sr is professor of medicine, president, and chief executive officer, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.J.E. Kerschner is professor of otolaryngology and communication sciences, dean of the medical school, and executive vice president, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.W.J. Hueston is professor of family and community medicine and senior associate dean for academic affairs, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.C.A. Maurana is professor of population health, vice president for academic outreach, and director, Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
John R
JR
Raymond
Joseph E
JE
Kerschner
William J
WJ
Hueston
Cheryl A
CA
Maurana
D002170:Canada; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000191:economics / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D010820:Physicians / Q000600:supply & distribution; D012577:Schools, Medical; D013997:Time Factors; D014146:Training Support; D014481:United States