Date of Award
Spring 2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Director of Thesis
Christian Anderson, Ph.D.
Second Reader
Jeff Persels, Ph.D.
Abstract
This study examines the impact of medical school curricula on student outcomes. It does so by analyzing the current curricula at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine (USC School of Medicine) and the Unité de Formation et de Recherche Simone Veil (UFR Simone Veil). The UFR Simone Veil is a medical education program at the Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. This research is important because it could encourage educators to examine the effectiveness of their current practices through comparison with the practices of other academic institutions. It also allows students to consider the course of study they might like to follow when pursuing a career in medicine.
This thesis begins with an examination of relevant literature from both France and the United States. The literature review is followed by interviews of current medical students at the USC School of Medicine and the UFR Simone Veil to explore student perspectives based on their personal experiences. It was determined that both programs have similar curricula with respect to their required courses and clinical rotations. However, the compulsory examinations differ in scope and significance, specifically when considering their influence over student outcomes. The medical school examinations that students must take in the United States impact the competitiveness of their residency applications, but many other factors contribute to success during the residency Match process. In France, the examination that students take during the sixth year of medical studies is the sole determinant of a student’s ability to work in their desired specialty. From these results, it is possible to observe how the curriculum a medical student follows can impact their career as a practicing physician.
First Page
1
Last Page
37
Recommended Citation
Kicklighter, Bailey, "A Comparison of Curricula at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Unité de Formation et de Recherche Simone Veil and Their Impacts on Student Outcomes" (2024). Senior Theses. 726.
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/senior_theses/726
Rights
© 2024, Bailey Kicklighter
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, International and Comparative Education Commons, Medical Education Commons
