RT Journal A1 Wall K, Carr R, Kapp S T1 SHortening medical education JF JAMA JO JAMA YR 2012 FD July 11 VO 308 IS 2 SP 133 OP 136 DO 10.1001/jama.2012.7018 UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.7018 AB To the Editor: Drs Emanuel and Fuchs1 addressed an important issue and made constructive suggestions to help control the unnecessary human and financial costs of medical education and training. Nonetheless, several of their points oversimplified the task of reform. For instance, comparing European with US universities fails to account for the longer and more sophisticated secondary education in Europe. Matriculation to medical school should depend on achievement of skills, not time spent. In addition, eliminating the need for a baccalaureate degree and shifting the focus to 6- to 7-year programs may put nontraditional students at a disadvantage.