What makes a good doctor? How would patients like us to select medical students?

Abstract

PRESENTATION TITLE What makes a good doctor? How would patients like us to select medical students?

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Medical student selection and performance outcomes have traditionally been based on academic merit.

Medical schools now compete in a fierce global financial climate and are under pressure to produce graduates who can provide good returns on community investments.

To date, no-one has explored what kind of doctors we are graduating; no-one has asked the question of what it is that makes a good doctor and the community’s voice has been absent.

The main author is currently undertaking a PhD study to explore this question from a stakeholder perspective.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES 1.Identify what we currently select for in medical schools here and abroad. 2.Explore conference participants’ views on current methods of medical student selection. 3.Develop strategies to improve community engagement in defining the characteristics of a good doctor.

ISSUES/QUESTIONS FOR EXPLORATION OR IDEAS FOR DISCUSSION Medical student selection will be explored in the following contexts:

1.What is the purpose of medical student selection? 2.Who has traditionally controlled this process? 3.Do current methods meet the needs of disadvantaged Australians? 4.Are medical student candidates educationally disadvantaged in an elitist system? 5.Is the community getting a good return on its investment? 6.Who should decide who ‘the good doctor’ is? 7.What do we think they might decide? 8.How do we improve the medical selection process? 9.What are consequences of poor selection and how do we avoid them?