The influence of longitudinal mentoring on medical student selection of primary care residencies

Darwin Deen,Maria T Santos,Lisa Rucker,Alice Fornari,Wei-Hsin Lu,Diane Indyk

doi:10.1186/1472-6920-11-27

Abstract

BackgroundThe number of students selecting careers in primary care has declined by 41% in the last decade, resulting in anticipated shortages.MethodsFirst-year medical students interested in primary care were paired with primary care mentors. Mentors were trained, and mentors and students participated in focus groups at the end of each academic year. Quantitative and qualitative results are presented.ResultsStudents who remained in the mentoring program matched to primary care programs at 87.5% in the first year and 78.9% in the second year, compared to overall discipline-specific match rates of 55.8% and 35.9% respectively. Students reported a better understanding of primary care and appreciated a relationship with a mentor.ConclusionsA longitudinal mentoring program can effectively support student interest in primary care if it focuses on the needs of the students and is supportive of the mentors.

Highlights

The number of students selecting careers in primary care has declined by 41% in the last decade, resulting in anticipated shortages
The anticipated shortage of physicians in the U.S is expected to be acute in the primary care disciplines [1,2]
Hauer and colleagues identified characteristics related to the institution, the individuals, and their experiences in medical school that contributed to primary care career intent among more than 1100 senior medical students at various institutions [7]

Summary

Introduction

The number of students selecting careers in primary care has declined by 41% in the last decade, resulting in anticipated shortages. Over the past decade,the number of medical students selecting careers in primary care has declined by 41% [3]. Hauer and colleagues identified characteristics related to the institution, the individuals, and their experiences in medical school that contributed to primary care career intent among more than 1100 senior medical students at various institutions [7]. In this sample, 23% of students planned careers in Internal Medicine (IM), yet only 2% selected primary care IM. Senf and colleagues [8] assessed students’

Methods

Results

Conclusion