Evaluation of Medical Career-Counseling Resources Across Canada

Abstract

Background: North American medical school accreditation requires career counseling. Purpose: The Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) MedCAREERS program was implemented in 2000 before published evidence of efficacy of Canadian medical school career-counseling programs existed. Methods: Data were gathered initially through the Canadian Residency Matching Service Post-Match Survey in 2003 and subsequently through the Canadian Graduation Questionnaire from 2006 to 2008. The overall response rate was 61%. Perceived benefits and efficacy of the MUN MedCAREERS Web site and several career-counseling resources were determined along with participation rates encompassing a 6-year period. Results: Most career-counseling resources were perceived as helpful, regardless of participation rate. Conclusions: Our goal was to provide information on an array of career-counseling resources so that Canadian medical schools can avail of appropriate resources and select activities to help students make informed decisions about their specialty choice. Planners of career-counseling activities may wish to consider elements that students find most helpful.