Looking ‘back to the future’: alumni perceptions of a UK undergraduate medical programme

Abstract

The five year Bachelor of Medicine (BM5) programme of the University of Southampton commenced in 1971. In keeping with other medical schools, the Southampton BM5 programme has been involved in a number of incremental curriculum reforms over the years. Complementing the School's annual pre-registration house officer (PRHO) questionnaire, this study of alumni cohorts (2000–2003) sought to investigate further how past graduates view their medical education and whether there are emerging priorities in medical practice. Findings confirm that alumni rate the BM5 highly and generally value the BM5 aims. Considering the impact of the social context on individual well-being and patient care, increased emphasis may need to be placed on preventive medicine, including greater alignment of several curriculum areas with clinical practice.

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Notes on contributors

G. R. Lueddeke

GEORGE LUEDDEKE, PhD is Senior Lecturer in Medical Education in the Division of Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Southampton.

F. H. Anderson

FRAZER ANDERSON, MB, ChB, MRC, is Senior Lecturer in Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Southampton.

N. J. Carr

NORMAN CARR, MBBS FRC Pathology, was previously Deputy Head of Medical Education, School of Medicine, University of Southampton and is now Professor of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.

B. S. Mitchell

BARRY MITCHELL, PhD, was previously Head of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Southampton, and is now Head of the School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University.

M. E. Stuart Taylor

MALVENA STUART TAYLOR, BSc, MBBS, FRCA, is Consultant Anaesthetist Honorary Senior Lecturer for the University of Southampton and Associate Dean for the Wessex Foundation School within the Severn and Wessex Deanery.