Comparison of performances of students in programs at LSU Medical School in Shreveport

The purpose of the study reported here was to evaluate the performance of graduates of the accelerated six-year (combined B.S.-M.D. degree) program and compare it with that of graduates following the regular curriculum at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport. Cumulative medical school grade-point averages, scores on the Federation Licensing Examination, and failure rates for the two groups were compared; by these criteria, the six-year graduates performed adequately but not as well as expected from their high school credentials (the basis for their entry into the accelerated program). Advantages and disadvantages of the six-year program are discussed with respect to the students, the medical school, and the undergraduate college of LSU at Shreveport.