June A Harris1, Donald W McKay. 1. Department of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. juneh@mun.ca
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.
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.