Student ISMA members from Indiana University and Marian University Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine engaged in debate and some of ISMA leaders joined in support of this inaugural debate. ISMA intern Amanda Thayer organized the event with the assistance of President-elect Richard Gunderman, MD. The first debate focused on the merits of allowing medical students to complete in 3 years amid a physician shortage. Two students were assigned in favor of the measure. Two students were assigned against the measure. The ISMA leaders asked questions and offered insights during and after the debate. 

“It was wonderful to hear medical students respectfully voice differing opinions and concerns in an attitude of learning and through a spirit of collaboration and creative problem solving,” Clif Knight, MD, said. “Many important topics were discussed, which are directly related to much of the ISMA and other organized medicine entities’ advocacy efforts.  Bravo students!  Become engaged in advocacy!”

Additional debates will be held in the coming months, according to Thayer. 

“This was a terrific exchange of ideas with a great group of medical students,” Gabriel Bosslet, MD, said. “The only regret is that there wasn't more time for the discussion.”


Richard Gunderman, MD, greets students from IUSM and MUCOM, as well as ISMA leadership, who took part in the inaugural debate on medical school length. 


IU medical student and ISMA intern Amanda Thayer addresses Payton Sparks during the debate, in which students were assigned sides on the length of medical school.  


Payton Sparks, Amanda Thayer, Morgan Kincaid, Aimee Lee, and Richard Gunderman, MD, participated in the first inaugural debate about the merits of reduced schooling for medical students in the wake of a physician shortage. Upcoming debates are slated to follow.