Student characteristics on entry to an innovative medical programme

The interests, attitudes and motivations of two groups of first-year medical undergraduates, one group from an innovative medical school and one group from a more traditional school were compared. Differences were found between the two groups in their reasons for studying medicine, their attitudes to medical education, and the role of the medical profession. The students from the innovative school placed more emphasis on the interpersonal and practical aspects of medicine as well as a sense of responsibility to the community. Reasons for these differences were discussed.