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How many years do students study before graduating in medicine?
South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|September 25, 2002
Summary
Medical students at the University of the Witwatersrand spend an average of 7.89 years to graduate. This study analyzed student records to understand the duration of medical education and its implications for degree structure changes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Research
- Higher Education Policy
Background:
- The University of the Witwatersrand's Faculty of Health Sciences is evaluating a transition from a 6-year medical degree to a graduate-entry 4-year program.
- Understanding current student progression is crucial for assessing the impact of curriculum changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the actual time taken by medical students to qualify.
- To calculate the total study years invested per medical graduate under the existing system.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 691 medical students registered between 1988 and 1990.
- Examination of student progress records to track academic timelines.
Main Results:
- An average of 7.89 years was spent per graduate, encompassing pre-medicine studies, degree repetitions, and intercalated science degrees.
- 85% of students graduated, while 15% did not complete their medical studies.
- Significant proportions of students (48%) took 7+ years to graduate, 21% had prior degrees, and 21% repeated academic years.
Conclusions:
- The financial implications for individuals and society are unlikely to differ substantially between the current 6-year medical degree and the proposed 3+4-year graduate-entry structure.
- The study provides data to inform the decision-making process regarding the proposed curriculum reform.