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Student Selection

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International Handbook of Research in Medical Education

Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE,volume 7))

Summary

Student selection for medical education worldwide cannot be isolated from local social, political, and economic contexts of medical care and education. The criteria and methods used for medical student selection usually emphasize academic and intellectual achievement. However, some medical schools also use candidates’ ethnic group or community of origin as selection criteria to achieve ethnic balance and other social goals within the medical profession. Medical student selection, progress through the curriculum, and earning a medical degree have many consequences beyond the usual outcome of becoming a clinical doctor. The sequelae include shaping the current and future character of the medical profession, opportunities to acquire social status and personal wealth, and participation in formulation of national health and social policies and the scientific research agenda.

This chapter is a descriptive account ofmedical student selection. Its purpose isThis chapter to broadly review medical student selection policies andpractices. The chapter has six sections:I. Goals of Selection, 2. Features of the Selection Problem, 3.Selection for Medical Education - National Examples, 4. Research on Student Selection, 5. Practical Recommendations, and 6. Coda - The “Convergence Hypothesis.” International examples are presented throughout the chapter to amplify andillustrate the text.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northwestern University, USA

    William C. McGaghie

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  1. McMaster University, Canada

    Geoff R. Norman

  2. University of Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Cees P. M. van der Vleuten  & Diana H. J. M. Dolmans  & 

  3. University of Sheffield, UK

    David I. Newble

  4. Dalhousie University, Canada

    Karen V. Mann

  5. University of Toronto, Canada

    Arthur Rothman

  6. CurryCorp, Canada

    Lynn Curry

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McGaghie, W.C. (2002). Student Selection. In: Norman, G.R., et al. International Handbook of Research in Medical Education. Springer International Handbooks of Education, vol 7. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-0462-6_13

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