Independent study: 10-year programme review

The Ohio State University College of Medicine has offered an independent study curricular option since 1970. This study reports our experience covering 10 entering classes and compares the independent study programme (ISP) students to the students who entered the traditional lecture-discussion programme (LDP). It looks at (a) entering demographic and personality characteristics, (b) academic, clinical and research performance during school and at graduation and (c) practice and career outcomes. The major findings are that, as groups, students from the two curricular programmes are far more alike than different but that the flexibility of an independent study programme provides special options without loss of academic achievement. Individual talents and interests were enhanced and research opportunities have aided recruitment and development of particular students. Independent study students pursued more research during medical school and hold more full-time academic positions in practice. A comparative cost study showed that, once the two programmes are operational, per student operational costs are equivalent. Results of this study indicate, that at Ohio State, the benefits of a two-track system outweigh the additional costs.