Schooling, living conditions and study motivation of students partaking in the traditional or reformed course of instruction at the Charite (Hospital)

Background: There are two different tracks in undergraduate medical education at the Charite, a traditional (TT) one and a reformed one (RT) which was implemented in 1999. We report a survey reflecting on possible differences between students joining the two tracks. Methods: During the winter term 2001/02 a questionnaire was sent to all 223 newly enrolled medical students. Three groups were distinguished: those following either the traditional or the reformed course (TT or RT), or those who followed the TT, although they had applied for it, because there were not enough vacancies in the RT. Participants: 150 (63% female; average age: 21.5 years) of 223 first year medical students. Results: Applicants for the RT did not differ significantly from those of the other groups with respect to school-leaving grades, their choice of main courses at school an their motivation to study medicine. But they differed in the demands that they placed on their instruction. The wish for a good practical medical training, advancing their individual potential and the ability to select for themselves any instructional priorities were of greater importance for those choosing the RT than those who preferred the TT. More students of the RT than the TT would again have chosen to study medicine and less often stated that they had considered giving up their medical course. Conclusion: Students have different expectations concerning medical curricula. The possibility to choose between different ways of studying may help to meet different expectations.