Abstract
Background: In Sweden, medical students can work as employed doctor trainees under supervision during medical school breaks. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the educational value of such employments, as well as to compare university and non-university positions. Method: A questionnaire was administered to all employed doctor trainees at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, in 2003-2004 (n = 67) plus all students in last term medical school 2005 who had had such a position inside or outside this university hospital (n = 43). The questionnaire included questions on trainee position/s, as well as statements regarding the educational value. Result: 75 unique individuals returned a filled-in questionnaire (response rate: 78%). The respondents experienced the positions as valuable concerning gain in professional confidence (mean ± standard deviation: 3.9 ± 1.1; 1 = total disagreement to 5 = total agreement) and independence (3.9 ± 1.1), subsequent learning in medical school (4.3 ± 0.9), and future professional work (4.2 ± 1.0). The gain in professional confidence and independence was greater for those who had worked in a non-university hospital (n = 17) than in a university hospital (n = 29): 4.4 ± 0.6 vs. 3.6 ± 3.6, P = 0.011; 4.3 ± 0.7 vs. 3.6 ± 1.1, P = 0.038. Conclusion: Employment as a doctor trainee seems to facilitate subsequent learning in medical school and enhance professional progress; the latter is particularly prominent in non-university hospitals.
Highlights
An important task for medical schools is to prepare the students for the first stage in their working life
In rare cases and under certain conditions, medical school students have been allowed a special license to work as doctors. Apart from these opportunities to gain professional experience, medical students can be employed as doctor trainees (“student doctors”), e.g. during medical school breaks
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the educational value of doctor trainee positions, as well as to compare university and non-university hospitals regarding this aspect
Summary
An important task for medical schools is to prepare the students for the first stage in their working life. All students in medical school in the University of Gothenburg had to spend two weeks outside our university hospital, in order to gain professional experience [5] This was appreciated but too expensive for the faculty. In rare cases and under certain conditions, medical school students have been allowed a special license to work as doctors Apart from these opportunities to gain professional experience, medical students can be employed as doctor trainees (“student doctors”), e.g. during medical school breaks. These positions include general doctor work under supervision. Conclusion: Employment as a doctor trainee seems to facilitate subsequent learning in medical school and enhance professional progress; the latter is prominent in non-university hospitals
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