Cutting class

A freshman once asked me if it was really necessary to attend lectures at medical school. He did not mince words: “Can lectures be totally chopped (slashed)?” My reply was a straight, almost thoughtless, no. But when he asked further if I could estimate what percentage of my cumulative academic knowledge could be ascribed to the lectures I attended, the reply didn't come as fast. I discovered to my chagrin that I was merely part of an old, wayfaring generation.

Traditionally, the medical school programme is strictly structured to allow little chance for truancy. But recently it is becoming clear that attending classes is no longer a priority. It isn't that my junior colleague is averse to learning; it's the teaching part he has problems with. He's bought the recommended textbooks; now he'd like to copy a classmate or senior's notes as somebody is always willing to go to class to write them. I soon found out that his opinion and attitude were representative of a generation of risk takers that have always existed but are fast becoming a majority.