The Texas A&M Experience With Class Size and Campus Expansion: Evaluation of First Year Using Distance Learning and On-Site Curriculum Delivery

BACKGROUND: The Texas A&M College of Medicine was traditionally a small 2+2 institution where students spent 2 years on one campus for basic science study and 2 years on another campus for clinical study. PURPOSE: To answer calls for an increased physician workforce, we more than doubled our class size and our number of fully matriculating branch campuses. This article describes the 1st full year's experience with expansion. Distance learning was a key part of the experience. METHODS: After extensive planning and pilot study, 1st-year students were fully matriculated at 1 of 2 campuses. Year-end comparisons were made on students' achievement and a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found on any achievement measures and only several questionnaire items. CONCLUSIONS: Expansion from the 2+2 system to 2 fully-matriculating campuses with a larger student body was successful during its 1st year. Some persistent problems and planned solutions are reported.