The content of the medical curriculum at McMaster University: graduates' evaluation of their preparation for postgraduate training

This paper describes McMaster University medical graduates' perceptions of how well their medical curriculum prepared them for postgraduate training. The graduates view their overall preparation for postgraduate work as sound. These perceptions were compared with independent assessments by internship supervisors for one graduated class. The graduates suggest their preparation for postgraduate work differs somewhat from fellow interns. Graduates reported feeling very well prepared compared to fellow postgraduate trainees in independent learning, self-evaluation and problem solving skills. They also judge their preparation in data gathering skills, behavioural science knowledge, ability to deal with social and emotional problems of patients, medical record keeping skills, preventive, follow-up and in-patient care as very good compared to peers. They identified two content areas, pharmacology and the basic medical sciences, as requiring more attention in the curriculum. These findings are discussed and related to the approach to medical education at McMaster University.