Three-year medical school programs gain traction

Some medical school administrators and policymakers see three-year programs as a way to produce physicians, particularly primary-care physicians (PCP), faster as the new healthcare law funnels millions of previously uninsured patients into the medical system. A three-year plan could also alleviate some of the cost associated with pursuing a career in medicine. Close to a dozen of the nation’s 124 medical schools offer, or are actively considering, three-year programs, which typically eliminate electives, require attendance at summer classes, and provisionally guarantee a residency. However, despite the growing popularity of such programs, critics question the wisdom of jettisoning the fourth year of medical school, which they say plays a crucial role in preparing physicians for residency and subsequent practice.

Source: Washington Post