The introduction of graduate entry medical programmes: potential benefits and likely challenges

There have been moves to introduce graduate entry programmes at medical schools both internationally and nationally. This, paper aims to review the recent literature on this policy issue and to discuss its implications in the context of the proposed introduction of graduate entry programmes at medical schools in Ireland. A number of potential advantages to this policy have been described, including: better educational outcomes, increased student motivation, benefits to student wellbeing, increased diversity of the student body, improved student learning strategies and improved professional outcomes. An equal number of challenges associated with this policy have also been described, including: increased stress levels for students, increased difficulties establishing an equitable admissions process, challenges to the curriculum to accommodate students with different educational backgrounds and other organisational issues. These issues must be considered in the transition to graduate entry programmes at medical schools in Ireland. The introduction of graduate entry programmes at medical schools in Ireland represents an important opportunity to inform the international debate on this subject.