Is an intercalated BSc degree associated with higher marks in examinations during the clinical years?

Abstract

Do medical students taking an intercalated BSc degree obtain higher marks during their subsequent clinical examination? Fourteen students who did a BSc during the academic year 1988-89 were matched, by sex and preclinical grades, with students in the year they left, and with students in the year they subsequently joined. Marks or grades in 10 subsequent examinations were compared. Seven of 10 comparisons with the year the BSc students left were to the advantage of the intercalated students, and two comparisons were statistically significant. Seven of 10 comparisons with the year the BSc students subsequently joined were to the advantage of the non-intercalating students, though none reached statistical significance. No consistent short-term academic advantages arising from having done a BSc could be found. We suggest the study be replicated in other medical schools with different course examination structures.