의과대학 선발에서의 질적 요소 (Acad Med, 1990)

의과대학 선발에서의 질적 요소

Qualitative variables in medical school admission.

McGaghie WC.

개인적 특성, 성격, 인생경험, 적응 능력 등은 전문직으로서 효과적인 일과 삶을 유지하는 것과 연관되어 있다. 의과대학생과 의사 모두에게 성공을 위해서는 질적인 요소들이 중요하다는 것은 널리 인정받고 있지만 학생 선발과 관련해 판단을 내릴 때에는 거의 고려되지 않는다. 여기서는 의과대학 선발에서 고려해야 하는 질적 요소들을 다루고자 하며, 입학에 있어서 질적 정보들을 사용할 것을 권고하고 있다. 또한 의과대학 선발에 대한 연구의 주요 의제로 끝맺고자 한다.

Personal qualities, character traits, life experience, and adaptive capacities are all associated with effective professional life and work. Despite widespread acknowledgement that qualitative factors are crucial for success as a medical student and physician, the variables are rarely measured or considered when medical schools reach decisions about student admission. This essay examines the qualitative variables that medical school admission committees might consider when filling their classes, and it offers recommendations about using qualitative data for admission decisions. It concludes with an agenda for research on medical school admission.

Important Qualitative Variables

1. Character and integrity have identified as the most sought-after attributes among candidates

2. There is consensus that breadth of knowledge, rather than narrow baccalaureate specialization, is an important selection criterion, as expressed forcefully in the 1984 GPEP report

3. Evidence of leadership is often sought among candidates for admission to medical school

4. Many medical schools, especially state-supported schools, have definite geographic preferences for student selection.

5. Applicant gender, race, and religious preference are qualitative variables now receiving explicit attention in ways that differ from many former admission policies.

6. Medical schools frequently consider applicants' work habits and motivation to study, although few schools are confident of their ability to evaluate these traits.

7. Students' personality and attitude have long been considered key qualitative variables, especially for screening applicants.

8. A personal orientation toward service is often mentioned as an important characteristic of medical students and practicing physicians. 

9. Closely allied to a service orientation is the frequently stated value of altruism, benevolent attention to the needs of others.

10. A broad yet significant category of qualitative variables concerns the physician's personal effectiveness: social competence, adaptability, personal manner, appropriate use of humor, and relations with others.

---

Acad Med. 1990 Mar;65(3):145-9.

Qualitative variables in medical school admission.

McGaghie WC.

Author information

Abstract

Personal qualities, character traits, life experience, and adaptive capacities are all associated with effective professional life and work. Despite widespread acknowledgement that qualitative factors are crucial for success as a medical student and physician, the variables are rarely measured or considered when medical schools reach decisions about student admission. This essay examines the qualitative variables that medical school admission committees might consider when filling their classes, and it offers recommendations about using qualitative data for admission decisions. It concludes with an agenda for research on medical school admission.

Comment in

• Help for the gatekeepers: comment and summation on the admission process. [Acad Med. 1990]