When Accelerated MD Program Is Not the Right Path: The Why and How to Support Accelerated Learners in the Transition to the 4-Year Program

Accelerated 3-year medical school programs (A3YP) allow students to complete medical school in 3 years rather than the traditional 4-year program (4YP). This paper describes the perspective of 14 A3YPs, exploring the rate of and reasons for transition out of an accelerated pathway into a traditional 4YP. As of 2023, 19% of students in A3YP transitioned to 4YP. The authors provide practical recommendations to guide transitions based on pooled experiences and expert consensus from members of the Consortium of Accelerated Medical Pathway Programs (CAMPP). Having clear policies that define academic, clinical, and professional expectations and processes to guide transition is important.