Building a Relevant Biomedical Graduate Program: From Review to Reform

Background Program evaluation is critical for ensuring that graduate programs remain responsive, effective, and aligned with the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the broader scientific community. At a major Canadian institution, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess how well our program meets stakeholder needs and to identify curricular gaps and actionable recommendations across our biomedical and clinical research graduate programs. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used, guided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Program Evaluation Framework. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and a focus group, which included a combination of students, alumni, supervisors, and/or faculty members. The evaluation assessed the curriculum structure, program strengths, and areas for improvements. Results Our findings demonstrated that the student learning experience is shaped by a range of factors beyond course content, including program identity, curriculum relevance, institutional support, and collaboration with internal and external partners. The evaluation process led to actionable changes, such as curriculum refinement and initiatives to strengthen faculty-student engagement. Conclusion This study highlights the value of systematic, evidence-informed program evaluation in guiding meaningful curricular and program refinements. The CDC Program Evaluation Framework proved adaptable to the graduate education context, providing a structured, stakeholder-driven approach. The process demonstrated the importance of continuous evaluation in promoting accountability, responsiveness, and program excellence. Our experience offers a potential model for other educators aiming to implement sustainable improvements in biomedical graduate education. Clinical Trial Number : Not applicable.