Comparison of graduates of regular curriculum and unified basic-science-clinical curriculum

The purpose of the study reported here was to identify differences between graduates who were in different curricula at Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. The physicians who had been in the special track, which combined the basic and clinical sciences throughout the program, chose specialties in family practice and psychiatry more than the regular track students and more often were salaried. One-third of those in the special curriculum felt the greatest strength of their medical school training was the preparation for independent learning, and a majority viewed a practice in which there were uncertainties in diagnosis as desirable. The traditional program graduate preferred to deal with cases in which important decisions had to be made rapidly and the effects of treatment could be immediately addressed. The two groups disagreed as to who should have major control of health care, on issues of peer review in the office, and on the emphasis physicians should give preventive care.