Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
06:48
Emergency Undocking in Robotic Surgery: A Simulation Curriculum
Published on: May 20, 2018
Undergraduate medical education
H S Jonas1, S I Etzel, B Barzansky
1American Medical Association, Division of Undergraduate Medical Education.
JAMA
|August 25, 1989
Summary
US medical school applications declined, but acceptances rose slightly. Demographic shifts show increases in Asian/Pacific Islander males and females, while white and black males/females decreased. Medical schools are adapting curricula.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Demographics in Medicine
- Faculty Recruitment
Background:
- Applicant numbers to US medical schools were declining.
- There were shifts in the demographics of accepted students, with notable increases in Asian/Pacific Islander males and females.
- The ratio of full-time faculty to students increased, though some specialties faced unfilled positions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in US medical school applicant and acceptance numbers.
- To examine demographic changes among first-year medical students.
- To assess faculty-student ratios and faculty position vacancies.
- To evaluate the adoption of new curricular approaches in medical schools.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of applicant and acceptance data for US medical schools.
- Demographic breakdown of first-year medical students by race/ethnicity and gender.
- Calculation of faculty-to-student ratios and assessment of unfilled faculty positions.
- Survey of medical schools regarding curriculum changes and implementation of recommendations (e.g., GPEP Report, problem-based learning, computer-based instruction).
Main Results:
- A decline in overall applicants contrasted with a slight increase in acceptances.
- Significant demographic shifts included a 10.3% increase in Asian/Pacific Islander males and a 13.7% increase in Asian/Pacific Islander females, while white and black male/female numbers decreased.
- Women represented one-third of the entering class in 1988-1989.
- The faculty-to-student ratio improved to 1.08, but over 5% of positions remained unfilled in several key specialties.
- Problem-based learning was adopted by 82% of schools, and computer-based instruction by two-thirds.
Conclusions:
- US medical schools are experiencing demographic diversification.
- Despite faculty recruitment challenges in certain specialties, medical schools are actively implementing curricular reforms.
- Institutions appear to be proactively responding to the evolving landscape of medical education.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Overview of Anatomy and Physiology
Human anatomy is the scientific study of the body's structures. Some of these structures are very small and can only be observed and analyzed with the assistance of a microscope. Other larger structures can readily be seen, manipulated, measured, and weighed. The word "anatomy" comes from a Greek root that means "to cut apart." Human anatomy was first studied by observing the body's exterior and the wounds of soldiers and other injuries. Later, physicians were allowed to dissect the bodies of...
01:29Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
01:17Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography is an imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the body's internal structures. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, making it widely used in various medical fields. Ultrasonography is used to study heart function, blood flow in the neck or extremities, certain conditions such as gallbladder disease, and fetal growth and development.
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Introduction:
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
01:11Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters
The upper urinary system comprises two kidneys and two ureters, which are crucial in filtering blood and forming urine.KidneysLocation and Structure:The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs positioned behind the peritoneum on either side of the spine.Kidneys are between the 12th thoracic (T12) and the 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebrae.The position of the liver causes the right kidney to sit slightly lower than the left.Protective Layers:Each kidney is enveloped in a tough, fibrous membrane called the...
01:28Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination
Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...