Admission to Medical School:: the Newcastle Experiment

• T. Winson ^[2] ; G. Cooney ^[1] ; J. Turnbull ^[2]
  1. [1] Macquarie University

     Macquarie University

     Australia

     
  2. [2] University of Newcastle
• Localización: Innovations in education and teaching international, ISSN 1470-3297, Vol. 16, Nº 4, 1979, págs. 277-287
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Any procedure for selecting medical students must be evaluated in terms of the objectives of the school or faculty concerned. The specific aims of the Newcastle Admissions Programme have been analysed in relation to four faculty objectives: (i) the production of effective medical practitioners, (ii) enhancement of the educational process and avoidance of student wastage, (iii) recognition of legitimate regional interests, and (iv) ensuring a reasonable return on society's investment in medical training. Two methods of admission have been adopted, namely, ‘academic achievement’ and ‘comprehensive assessment’. The latter is based on an assessment of both cognitive and personality factors employing psychometric instruments and interviews. For the purposes of evaluating the Admissions Programme the same data are gathered on all successful candidates regardless of their mode of entry into the course.

    Generally low correlations have been observed between the intellectual, academic and personal characteristics assessed within the Admissions Programme. There were also negligible correlations between interview ratings and other admission variables. However, there was close agreement between faculty and community representatives in their independent appraisal of candidates. No age group appears to have been advantaged by the methods of assessment used, but females had higher scores on items concerned with ethical dilemmas and ‘empathy’. The majority of the interviewers reported satisfaction with the procedures they were required to follow. Applicants also appeared to be satisfied with the interviews but were more equivocal about the value of the tests. However, candidates showed no enthusiasm for the traditional criterion of academic achievement, nine out of ten believing that such an approach completely overlooked the importance of personal qualities which are important for the practice of medicine.