Dean’s Corner
Class Size and Pritzker Initiative Update
Dear Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff:
Holly J. Humphrey, MD’83
Dean for Medical Education
As many of you may know, last spring the Pritzker School of Medicine announced it will be decreasing the number of matriculating students in 2009 from 100 to 88. The decision is rooted in the philosophies and fundamental principles of our curriculum: all teaching by University of Chicago faculty, a well-resourced curriculum, and a well-resourced student body. We believe these elements help to foster an educational environment that is best able to sustain excellence in a dynamically changing health care environment.
Our specific goals in decreasing the class size are aligned with the new Pritzker Initiative. This progressive plan for the curriculum is discussed in detail in this issue of the Pulse by those who serve on the Pritzker Initiative Steering Committee and will lead the program. By reducing the class size, Pritzker will increase student-faculty interactions, be able to devote additional educational resources and financial support to students, renew our emphasis on scholarship and discovery, and restore some of the personal bonds in modern medical education that are often lost because of pressures on faculty time.
A smaller class size will give Pritzker students an opportunity for greater involvement in the learning experience. Students will participate in increased small group learning and more interactive forms of education such as journal clubs and case studies. Most importantly, students who matriculate in 2009 will have a new requirement for participation in scholarship and discovery throughout their education. This requirement, along with the greater emphasis on small group learning, will require a heavier commitment on the part of faculty. With a stronger faculty-to-student ratio, faculty members will have the opportunity to be even more active and engaged in each student’s learning experience.
We are committed to providing all of our students with a robust and dynamic medical education. The changes to our curriculum combined with the reduction in class size will offer positive benefits for all of our students. If you have questions about these new initiatives or others taking place at the medical school, I would be happy to hear from you at dean-for-meded@bsd.uchicago.edu.
With best wishes,
Holly J. Humphrey, MD
Professor of Medicine
Dean for Medical Education
