The independent study program at the University of Wisconsin Medical School

A program for 30 additional medical students for the first two years of the University of Wisconsin Medical School curriculum has been developed, and two groups of students have advanced to the clinical years. Design included providing modules of course materials to students and utilizing faculty predominantly in the developmental and managerial role. Preliminary results are based on student and faculty opinion of the program in categories of faculty acceptance, faculty-student interaction, certifying examinations, student attitudes, material developed, and course objectives. The course has been accepted as a continuing part of the medical school curriculum and provides a more flexible track for some students. There has been no significant difference in performance on Part I of the examination of the National Board of Medical Examiners for the first two groups. The concepts of individualized medical education have strengthened the basic science and core curriculum of the medical school.