Impact of an independent-study programme upon professional careers

A survey of graduates of the Independent-Study Programme (ISP) at the College of Medicine, University of Illinois, was conducted in order to assess the impact of the ISP on their subsequent careers. Responses from ninety-nine of these graduates, when compared with their classmates, lend strong support to the idea that such an independent study programme has long-lasting effects on the participants. The ISP graduates are selecting a medical subspecialty in a much higher percentage than their classmates or the national average. They also are engaging in more research, administration, and teaching. Differences between the ISP and the traditional graduates are explained in terms of unique educational opportunities, contact with teachers and peers, orientation towards independent learning and curricular requirements.