A Preliminary Evaluation of Students' Learning and Performance Outcomes in an Accelerated 3-Year MD Pathway Program

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Education
• Physician Training

Background:

• Limited outcome data exist for three-year MD (3YMD) programs, hindering residency program directors' (PDs) selection decisions.
• Evaluating the performance of 3YMD graduates is crucial for informed recruitment strategies in residency programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance outcomes of students graduating from a three-year MD (3YMD) program versus a traditional four-year MD (4YMD) program.
• To provide data for residency program directors on the preparedness of 3YMD graduates for postgraduate training.

Main Methods:

• A comparative analysis using the Kirkpatrick 4-level evaluation model was conducted on three graduating cohorts (2016-2018) of 3YMD students and their 4YMD counterparts.
• Outcomes including admissions variables, shelf examination scores, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores, and overall intern ratings were compared between the two groups.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in most admissions variables or overall intern ratings between 3YMD and 4YMD graduates.
• Small, statistically significant differences favoring 4YMD students were noted in the medicine shelf examination and USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores.
• High response rates were achieved from both student cohorts and participating residency program directors, ensuring robust data collection.

Conclusions:

• Three-year MD program graduates demonstrate comparable performance to four-year MD program graduates in medical school and the initial year of residency.
• These findings suggest that 3YMD programs effectively prepare students for postgraduate medical training, supporting their broader adoption.