Angela Chang1, Garrett Cavanaugh2, Neil S Kumar2, Margaret Lee3, David Stein4, Mary K Mulcahey2. 1. Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Electronic address: ac898@drexel.edu. 2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hahnemann University Hospital/Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. 3. Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA. 4. Department of Colorectal Surgery, Hahnemann University Hospital/Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Mini-Medical school programs have become an increasingly popular means of encouraging high-school students to consider medical professions. However, there is little research evaluating the long-term effect of these programs on influencing career choice. The purpose of our study was to determine the motivational factors for attending the Mini-Medical school programs at our institution, student satisfaction with their experience, and whether it impacts intended secondary education and career choices. METHODS: An online anonymous survey was distributed to Drexel University College of Medicine Mini-Medical school program graduates to determine factors influencing student participation and program satisfaction. RESULTS: The most influential factors in attending the program were to confirm an interest in medicine (n = 55, 95%) and parental advice (n = 29, 50%). Most maintained an interest in medicine: 57% (n = 33) pursued a pre-med degree, 55% (n = 32) planned to apply to medical school within 3 years; and 12% (n = 7) were either in medical school or matriculating in the fall of 2015. 91% (n = 53) participants noted the program's influence on choosing a pre-med undergraduate track. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest Mini-Medical school programs significantly impacted students' decision to pursue a medical career through fostering interest and effectively answering students' questions about the field.
PURPOSE: Mini-Medical school programs have become an increasingly popular means of encouraging high-school students to consider medical professions. However, there is little research evaluating the long-term effect of these programs on influencing career choice. The purpose of our study was to determine the motivational factors for attending the Mini-Medical school programs at our institution, student satisfaction with their experience, and whether it impacts intended secondary education and career choices. METHODS: An online anonymous survey was distributed to Drexel University College of Medicine Mini-Medical school program graduates to determine factors influencing student participation and program satisfaction. RESULTS: The most influential factors in attending the program were to confirm an interest in medicine (n = 55, 95%) and parental advice (n = 29, 50%). Most maintained an interest in medicine: 57% (n = 33) pursued a pre-med degree, 55% (n = 32) planned to apply to medical school within 3 years; and 12% (n = 7) were either in medical school or matriculating in the fall of 2015. 91% (n = 53) participants noted the program's influence on choosing a pre-med undergraduate track. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest Mini-Medical school programs significantly impacted students' decision to pursue a medical career through fostering interest and effectively answering students' questions about the field.
Authors: James C Rosser; Timothy B Legare; Charles Jacobs; Katherine M Choi; Jeffrey P Fleming; Jamie Nakagiri Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2018-04-02 Impact factor: 4.584