An Integrated Final Examination in Preclinical Subjects for Medical Students: 10 Years of Experience

Background: Few traditional medical schools have integrated comprehensive basic science examinations. One such examination is, however, used at the end of the 2nd year at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Description: The subjects are included in the examination and are combined into integrated � themes� of questions in both a written and an oral part reflecting all the preclinical subjects. A committee consisting of teachers from basic and clinical science departments and student representatives are responsible for the examination. The oral part is carried out by groups formed by 1 clinical and 2 basic science teachers who examine 3 students. Evaluation: Data from 15 cohorts (1,690 students) were analyzed. Although the examination was judged to be difficult and comprehensive, the students performed well, and most considered it very useful. The overall view by the teachers involved was that this examination is undoubtedly worth the invested teacher and administrative resources. Conclusions: The examination makes the students better prepared for their forthcoming clinical studies. Moreover, the examination, in particular the oral part, has markedly increased the interactions between preclinical and clinical teachers at the Karolinska Institute. The examination has also had, to some extent, an impact on the development of the curriculum.