The Influence of Role Modeling and Mentorship on Primary Care Career Choice: What Can Be Gleaned From 30 Years of Research?

Abstract

Role modeling and mentoring are key aspects of identity formation in medical school and likely influence student specialty choice. No reviews have examined the ways that mentorship relationships impact primary care career choice. We conducted a systematic literature search to identify articles describing the influence of role models and mentorship on primary care interest, intention, or choice. A content analysis of the included articles determined which articles focused on mentorship versus role modeling and the definitions of each. We coded articles as groundwork, effectiveness, or impact depending on the methodology and outcomes of each study. Searches yielded 362 articles, of which 30 met inclusion criteria. Three offered definitions of role modeling, and one compared and contrasted definitions of mentoring; 17 articles laid groundwork that indicated that role modeling and mentorship are important factors in career choice and specifically in primary care. Thirteen articles reported the effectiveness and impact of role modeling and mentoring in influencing intent to enter primary care or actual career choice. Primary care and non-primary care physicians influenced student interest, intent, and choice of primary care careers; this influence could be positive or negative. Role modeling and mentorship influence primary care career choice. Very few articles defined the studied relationships. More work on the impact of mentorship and role modeling on career choice is needed.