Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Chinese government initiated the "Top-notch Students Training Program 2.0 for Basic Disciplines" to cultivate talent in foundational fields, including basic medicine. However, existing programs lack a systematic framework tailored to the specific needs of basic medicine students. This study proposes a novel cultivation model specifically designed for basic medicine students, integrating interdisciplinary research and addressing the unique challenges inherent in foundational medical education. Compared to existing international models such as MSTP in the U.S., which focuses predominantly on streamlined clinical-research integration, and WISE in Japan, emphasizing productivity through targeted doctoral training, this model uniquely incorporates comprehensive interdisciplinary teaching, structured research training mechanisms, and explicit quality assurance procedures. These enhancements specifically address previously identified gaps in holistic, systematic cultivation frameworks for top-notch basic medicine students, aligning closely with national educational strategies and global healthcare challenges. METHODS: This study employed a modified Delphi method conducted over three rounds. An initial indicator framework was developed by analyzing documents from 12 universities, primarily those participating in the "Top-notch Students Training Program 2.0 for Basic Disciplines."Experts specializing in medical education and academic management were invited to evaluate the relevance and importance of the proposed indicators. During each Delphi round, experts provided ratings and qualitative feedback, which informed iterative refinements of the framework. Adjustments were made based on statistical thresholds (e.g., arithmetic mean < 4, full score ratio < 0.5, or variation coefficient > 0.25) and expert consensus. The process concluded with a finalized cultivation model, incorporating 5 primary indicators, 17 secondary indicators, and 63 tertiary indicators. To validate the model, statistical analysis was conducted to ensure its reliability, practicality, and alignment with the goals of top-notch student cultivation in basic medicine. The finalized framework emphasizes interdisciplinary integration, innovation, and research-based learning, reflecting the priorities identified in the Delphi process. RESULTS: The effective response rates for the three rounds were 84%, 100%, and 95%, respectively, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.89. Based on these consultations, the final model includes 5 primary indicators, 17 secondary indicators, and 63 tertiary indicators. The model emphasizes five core dimensions: cultivation philosophy, cultivation standards and objectives, curriculum and teaching, scientific research training, and quality assurance and evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model emphasizes a systematic approach, adaptability to environmental changes, and practical operability in the cultivation process. The five core dimensions-cultivation philosophy, cultivation standards and objectives, curriculum and teaching, scientific research training, and quality assurance and evaluation-are designed to work in harmony. This ensures seamless alignment throughout the cultivation process, promoting synergy between elements to optimize pathways for top-notch students in basic medicine.