MEDICAL STUDENT ENROLMENT IN CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES

  • 1 January 1963
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 88  (14) , 683-+
Abstract
Statistical returns from the 12 Canadian medical schools revealed in 1962, for the 4th consecutive year, a larger 1st-year enrolment (946, 970, 1006 and 1057). This is attributed to an increase in qualified applicants and expansion in size of the 1st-year class in the face of a physician shortage. The proportion of women graduates increased from 5.2% in 1958 to 10.1% in 1962 (U. S. A., 5.6%). The academic caliber of entering students showed little change over 5 years, 1957-61. Recent impressions indicate an upward swing. Loss from withdrawals and dismissals was chiefly in 1st year (9.1%, 7.6% and 9.0%: 1959-60 to 1961-62), 40% being attributed to "non-academic" causes. Foreign students now comprise 12.6% of the medical student body. A decrease in American and an increase in Common- wealth student numbers was noted. Recommendations include attention to drop-outs before and after registration and provision for stand-by applicants; the general adoption of some objective measure of qualification, e. g. the Medical College Admission Test; an on-going registry of applicants to Canadian medical schools for later retrospective studies and re-examination of admission policies for non-residents.