Accepting Responsibility for Access and Readiness: Examining Student Courses, Competency, and Preparation for Medical School

• In Event: Roundtable: Assessment

Abstract

Aspiring medical students must choose courses in their undergraduate studies to prepare for and fulfil the prerequisites of individual medical schools, but they often do this without informed guidance. Many schools have shifted from requiring general education core Biology, Chemistry, and Physics classes to specific upper division courses. This study questions how to responsibly advise students and determines if such requirements better prepare students for medical coursework and exams. It evaluates specific courses and subject areas to understand trends in the number of courses, course level distributions, and level of competency. In addition, it highlights disparities that exist for minoritized students and the relationship of the quantity of courses versus competency level with their educational progress in professional school.

Authors

• Martin Formanek, University of Arizona

• Kadian McIntosh, University of Arizona