Submission ID 119773
| Code | OB-1-3 |
|---|---|
| Type | Oral |
| Abstract Title | Developing an Admissions Process at the New Simon Fraser University School of Medicine |
| Will the presenter be a: | Faculty |
| Methods | Our goal was to create an admissions process that is evidence-informed, rigorous, merit-based, and inclusive. A small working group conducted literature reviews and analyzed health and workforce data to identify innovations. We consulted widely within SFU, the School of Medicine, and the communities of the Fraser Health region, integrating priorities through iterative refinement. Ongoing data monitoring will support continual improvement and responsiveness to evolving community needs. |
| Results | Applicants are invited to apply through the Open or Indigenous Admissions stream. Both streams share the same academic eligibility thresholds which may be demonstrated through three options (GPA-only, MCAT-only, or GPA+MCAT). GPA and MCAT scores are used as a threshold, with no additional advantage accrued for higher scores. Eligible applicants are assessed for alignment with eight institutional priority attributes and the school's social accountability mandate. Up to 200 highly aligned applicants will complete a multiple mini-interview in March 2026. If needed, an equal probability selection process will be used to determine interview invitations. Post-interview, each application will be reviewed holistically. Final admissions decisions rest with a committee composed of faculty, clinicians, and community members, half of whom bring expertise in Indigenous perspectives. |
| Discussion | Aligning applicant selection with institutional and community priorities requires creativity within resource constraints. We will share future evolutions as they occur. |
| Abstract Track - First Choice | Admissions |
| Learning Outcomes | General Teaching |
| Authors | Meredith Vanstone Rebekah Eatmon Maria Hubinette Tracy Yiu Justin Boehringer Angela Wolfe Steve Birnie Gary Tithecott Lawrence Grierson |
