Should an intercalated degree be compulsory for undergraduate medical students?

Abstract

Undertaking an intercalated year whilst at medical school involves taking time out of the medicine undergraduate programme in order to pursue a separate but related degree. It is widely seen as a challenging but rewarding experience, with much to be gained from the independent project or research component of most additional degrees. However, whilst intercalating is encouraged at many universities and is incorporated into some undergraduate curricula, it is by no means compulsory for all students. The literature would suggest that those who have intercalated tend to do better academically, both for the remainder of medical school and after graduating. Despite this, the issue of making intercalation mandatory is one of considerable debate, with counter-arguments ranging from the detrimental effect time taken out of the course can have to the lack of options available to cater for all students. Nonetheless, the research skills developed during an intercalated year are invaluable and help students prepare for taking a critical evidence-based approach to medicine. If intercalated degrees were made compulsory for undergraduates, it would be a step in the right direction. It would mean the doctors of tomorrow would be better equipped to practise medicine in disciplines that are constantly evolving.

Eleven‐year experience implementing a dental undergraduate research programme in a prestigious dental school in China: Lessons learned and future prospects

“…To improve individual skills and knowledge and to overcome barriers towards conducting a research project, a supportive research environment is required 16,20,53‐56 . To create camaraderie amongst the dental school, faculty and undergraduates, there are several plans that have been clearly set up by our dental school, including to perform curricular reform for research training, set up career development plans for both faculty and students, establish research groups based on different research topics, initiate faculty training programmes and introduce dental students peer mentoring 15,43,57,58 . These plans have been well summarised in Figure 7 as our suggestions for dental schools that have interest in launching a similar research programme for their students.…”

The impact of research intercalation during medical school on post-graduate career progression

“…Intercalation involves taking time out of the medicine undergraduate programme in order to complete a separate but (usually) related degree [ 1 ]. It is widely encouraged at many Medical Schools and incorporated into the undergraduate curricula in some institutions [ 1 ].…”

“…Intercalation involves taking time out of the medicine undergraduate programme in order to complete a separate but (usually) related degree [ 1 ]. It is widely encouraged at many Medical Schools and incorporated into the undergraduate curricula in some institutions [ 1 ]. Over the last several years the range of intercalation opportunities has risen significantly with degree options ranging from Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level study across a widening range of subject areas including global health and the humanities [ 1 ].…”

An Analysis of Medical Students’ Attitude and Motivation in Pursuing an Intercalated MSc in Clinical Anatomy

“…Many medical schools encourage intercalating, but, despite this, the issue of making intercalation mandatory is contentious, with counter-arguments ranging from the detrimental effect time taken out of the course can have to the lack of options available to cater for all students [ 10 ].…”