The design of medical education today is based on the landmark work of Flexner in 1910. While the Flexner model remains valid, enormous changes in medicine, science and technology, cost of medical education and other needs of society dictate reconsideration of alternate approaches to medical education. Some of the societal needs include a shift in healthcare necessities, shortage of physicians, demography and burden of debt carried by medical students. Recognizing these, the Carnegie Foundation recently recommended options of fast tracking medical education.   The focus session discussions will be guided by faculty who have considerable experience in designing and successfully implementing accelerated curricula. This session will enhance the understanding of the complexity of the process and describe how to navigate the intended mission of the accelerated pathway, including the admissions model, curriculum construct, student promotion and remediation, mentoring, partnering with residency programs, program evaluation and funding of the initiative. The session is geared towards focused discussion with minimal didactic presentation. In 90 minutes, participants who are in the planning process will gain comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the above points through discussion. The registered participants will also receive preparatory readings that will enrich their session participation.
 

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