Should Canadian Medical Schools Implement a Widespread 3 Year Medical Curriculum?

Authors

  • Douglas Page MD Candidate, 2010
  • Adrian Baranchuk Assistant Professor of Medicine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.36523

Abstract

Background: This paper addresses the potential costs and benefits of implementing a widespread 3 year medical curriculum across the country.

Methods: We compared differences in curriculum, costs, workforce production, competency, exposure to experiences, timing of career choices, and maturity of students and physicians between 3 and 4 year programs.  We accessed this information from 5 school’s online course outlines and by performing a broad search of the literature.

Results- Three and four year medical programs have very similar curricular content.  The most significant cost savings in a 3 year medical program are due to these students entering the workforce a year earlier.   A 3 year program would add more physicians to our workforce initially; however, more doctors are produced over the long term by expanding class sizes.  Test scores of graduates from 3 year programs in Canada and the US are similar to graduates from 4 year medical programs.  A shorter program could limit the exposure of students to extra curriculars and force them to make earlier career decisions; however, time spent in electives appears to be similar.

Conclusions: We do not find enough compelling evidence to advocate switching all medical schools in Canada to a 3 year medical program.  

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Author Biographies

Douglas Page, MD Candidate, 2010

MD Candidate, Queens Medicine Class of 2010

Adrian Baranchuk, Assistant Professor of Medicine

Dr Adrian Baranchuk, MD FACCAssistant Professor of MedicineCardiac Electrophysiology and PacingDirector, EP Training ProgramKingston General Hospital

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Published

2010-03-14

How to Cite

1.
Page D, Baranchuk A. Should Canadian Medical Schools Implement a Widespread 3 Year Medical Curriculum?. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2010 Mar. 14 [cited 2024 Nov. 21];1(1):e39-e45. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/36523

Issue

Section

Original Research