# Voices of the accelerated: key themes when considering implementation of an accelerated medical school program

## TL;DR

This paper explores the experiences of students in accelerated medical programs, highlighting key themes like reduced debt and early professional relationships.

## Contribution

The study identifies five key themes from firsthand experiences of accelerated medical students and trainees.

## Key findings

- Reduced debt is a major motivator for students to enter accelerated programs.
- Accelerated students feel prepared for residency and form early professional relationships.
- Less time for additional clinical experiences is a noted drawback of accelerated programs.

## Abstract

In this rapid communication, accelerated undergraduate medical education is examined using prior literature as well as experiences of those who have completed or are in the process of completing accelerated medical curricula. The Consortium of Accelerated Medical Pathway Programs (CAMPP) hosts an annual multi-institutional conference for all its members. During the meeting in July 2023, a virtual panel was convened from multiple constituent programs (N = 4) including medical students (N = 2), resident physicians (N = 4), and faculty (N = 2). Panel participants represented current learners or graduates from accelerated pathways of varying specialties (N = 5) to share firsthand experiences about acceleration to an audience representing over 25 medical schools. Five key themes were identified for accelerated students and trainees: Reduced debt as motivating factor to accelerate, Feeling prepared for residency, Ideal accelerated students are driven, Ability to form early professional relationships, and Less time for additional clinical experiences. Discourse from the CAMPP panel can inform current and developing accelerated programs at institutions looking to create or improve accelerated learning.