The Tulane accelerated physician training program (TAP-TP): A novel combination of scholarship and service

Abstract

Introduction

In spite of a projected shortage of physicians in the USA, the relatively long time and duration of training and high expense, the education of U.S. physicians has changed little over the past 120 years.

Methods

To address these issues, Tulane University developed a program, the Tulane accelerated physician training program (TAP-TP). This unique program allows selected Tulane undergraduate students to complete two years of undergraduate studies, followed by a mandatory year of public service, prior to four years of medical school.

Results

Students almost exclusively major in Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB), and used credits earned in Medical School to complete the required hours for their Bachelor’s degree. The program was judged to be successful based on its ability to attract, retain, and graduate students into medical residency programs. The shortened time frame needed to complete the undergraduate program is associated with significant cost savings for the students. Educational outcomes were not statistically different between TAP-TP and traditional students despite the accelerated curriculum.

Conclusions

TAP-TP is a unique model to graduate physicians in an accelerated fashion at significant cost savings.

Keywords:

• Medical education research
• evaluation
• undergraduate

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael J. Woodson

Michael J. Woodson, MS, is Director of Admissions, Tulane University School of Medicin, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Cindy A. Morris

Cindy A. Morris, PhD, MMSc, is Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Assistant Dean for Admissions, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.

David A. Mullin

David A. Mullin, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Science and Engineering, New Orleans, LA, USA.

James M. Maclaren

James M. MacLaren, PhD, was Professor and Chair, Dean of Newcomb-Tulane College, Tulane University. He is now the Provost at Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL, USA.

Bradford W. Rhines

Bradford W. Rhines, MA, is Assistant Director, Academic Advising, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Agnieszka B. Nance

Agnieszka B. Nance, PhD, is Executive Director for Public Service, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Benjamin Sachs

Benjamin Sachs, MBBS, DPH, was Doty Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Senior Vice President and Dean of Tulane University School of Medicine (2007–2013), New Orleans, LA, USA.

Marc J. Kahn

Marc J. Kahn, MD, MBA, is Peterman-Prosser Professor of Medicine, Senior Associate Dean, Tulane University School of Medicine.