Navigating challenges in competency-based graduation: accelerating medical training while ensuring rigor and...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Education
• Competency-Based Medical Education

Background:

• Accelerated pathway programs aim to shorten medical school to three years.
• These programs face challenges in implementing rigorous assessments for early graduation.
• Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) offers a framework for assessing readiness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an accelerated pathway program utilizing a CBME framework.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in preparing students for graduate medical education.
• To ensure students are competent for early graduation.

Main Methods:

• Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine developed an accelerated and competency-based graduation (CBG) program.
• Students applied in their second year, with selection based on academics and program fit.
• Progress was evaluated by a Clinical Competency Committee (CCC) using CBME principles.

Main Results:

• 61% of CBG students graduated in 3 years; 39% returned to the standard 4-year track.
• CCC assessments showed high competency ratings in core domains.
• CBG graduates are progressing well in residency with no significant performance concerns.

Conclusions:

• The CBG program provides a competency-based, time-variable pathway from medical school to residency.
• The program supports both early and traditional progression based on demonstrated competency.
• Future work includes adapting to changes in selection tools and expanding specialty participation.