Do Interest Groups Cultivate Interest? Trajectories of Geriatric Interest Group Members

Abstract

Background 
 Minimal exposure, misconceptions, and lack of interest have historically driven the shortage of health-care providers for older adults. This study aimed to determine how medical stu­dents’ participation in the National Geriatrics Interest Group (NGIG) and local Geriatrics Interest Groups (GIGs) shapes their career development in the care of older adults. 
 Methods 
 An electronic survey consisting of quantitative and qualita­tive metrics to assess the influence of Interest Groups was distributed to all current and past members of local GIGs at Canadian universities since 2017, as well as current and past executives of the NGIG since 2011. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed. 
 Results 
 Thirty-one responses (27.7% response rate) were collected from medical students (13), residents (16), and physicians (2). 79% of resident respondents indicated they will likely have a geriatrics-focused medical practice. 45% of respondents indicated GIG/NGIG involvement facilitated the establish­ment of strong mentorship. Several themes emerged on how GIG/NGIG promoted interest in geriatrics: faculty mentor­ship, networking, dispelling stigma, and career advancement. 
 Conclusion 
 The positive associations with the development of geriatrics-focused careers and mentorship compel ongoing support for these organizations as a strategy to increase the number of physicians in geriatrics-related practices.

Updated Inventory and Projected Requirements for Specialist Physicians in Geriatrics

“…The formation of Geriatric Interest Groups (GIGs) in Canada at the medical student level and Resident Geriatric Interest Groups (RGIGs) has increased awareness of, and interest in, geriatrics as a desirable career choice, and fostered mentorship relationships with practicing physicians. (23,24) The positive impact of such exposure on recruitment into geriatrics was also noted in a systematic review. (25) These student-led groups have chapters at each medical school, and are supported by the CGS and its Scholarship Foundation.…”

Applicant and Match Trends to Geriatric-Focused Postgraduate Medical Training in Canada: A Descriptive Analysis

“…In the absence of a national Canadian physician resource plan for geriatrics, a health human resources and education strategy should be developed to address current and future shortfalls in geriatric services across the country (National Institute on Ageing, 2020). Elements of this strategy should consider enhancing undergraduate education in geriatrics (Arai et al, 2015; Gordon, Blundell, Gladman, & Masud, 2007; Heckman et al, 2013; Mateos-Nozal & Beard, 2011; Perrella, Cuperfain, Canfield, Woo, & Wong, 2020; Pokrzywko et al, 2019); strengthening departments of geriatric medicine (Arai et al, 2015; Mateos-Nozal & Beard, 2011); establishing collaborations with primary care and family physician educators who can support the integration of competencies in caring for older adults in their curriculum (Callahan, Tumosa, & Leipzig, 2017; Gordon et al, 2007; Heckman et al, 2013; Lee, Burton, & Lundebjerg, 2017; National Institute on Ageing, 2020; Tinetti, 2016; Weiss & Fain, 2009); addressing the multi-factorial barriers hindering interest in geriatric-focused training (Glauser, 2019; Heckman et al, 2013; Madden & Wong, 2013); and highlighting positive aspects of geriatric-focused careers in recruitment materials, including pay reform (Glauser, 2019) and high job satisfaction (Leigh, Kravitz, Schembri, Samuels, & Mobley, 2002). When delivering care to older adults, care providers should recognize that not all encounters will be with the chronically ill or institutionalized (Weiss & Fain, 2009), as many older adults live in the community and are interested in maximizing independent lifestyles.…”

Systematic review of the efficacy and purpose of student surgical interest groups

“…8 Student interest groups have shown efficacy across a range of medical specialties, with research showing positive correlation between interest group participation and intention to pursue a specialty at the medical student, resident, and attending level. 9 Effective surgical interest groups may provide a variety of initiatives such as lectures/teaching courses, practical skills workshops (e.g., suturing, knot-trying), mentoring, and career advice, allowing medical students the opportunity to engage with specific facets of surgical training. SIGs importantly may provide mentorship and work opportunities with existing surgical staff, bridging an equity gap for students who do not have pre-existing connections with faculty.…”

“…They theoretically contribute to augmented interest in surgical training via increasing student surgical experience and surgical knowledge beyond what is provided by the formal university curriculum 8 . Student interest groups have shown efficacy across a range of medical specialties, with research showing positive correlation between interest group participation and intention to pursue a specialty at the medical student, resident, and attending level 9 …”