Immersion medicine programme for secondary students

Abstract

A total of 61 students responded, representing a response rate of 88.4 per cent, with a majority of respondents (73.7%) from URM backgrounds. An overwhelming majority of students agreed (with a Likert rating of 4 or 5) that the ICM programme increased their interest in becoming a physician (n = 56, 91.8%). Students reported shadowing patient-student-physician interactions to be the most useful (n = 60, 98.4%), and indicated that they felt that they would be more likely to lead to serving the local community as part of their future careers (n = 52, 85.3%). Of the students that were eligible to apply to medical school (n = 13), a majority (n = 11, 84.6%) have applied to medical school. URM enrolment in medical schools within the USA has remained stagnant in recent years DISCUSSION: Use of a community medicine immersion programme may help encourage secondary students from URM backgrounds to gain the confidence to pursue a career in medicine and serve their communities. Further examination of these programmes may yield novel insights into recruiting URM students to medicine.

Physician Pipeline and Pathway Programs: An Evidence-based Guide to Best Practices for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine

“… 2 Programs vary from summer experiences 2 , 37 , 40 to longitudinal experiences during the school year 19 and offer educational components, such as core sciences (eg, biology, chemistry) 2 or healthcare-related topics (eg, disparities, physiology, patient interview sessions). 19 , 27 , 32 , 41 , 42 Interactive sessions such as simulation, physical exam practice, workshops, and seminars are also included. 19 , 31 , 32 , 36 , 41 , 43 …”

“… 2 , 29 , 37 , 41 , 45 Shadowing opportunities are important, 2 , 35 including patient care in free clinics. 42 Multiple studies suggest that educational content and mentorship can be provided by medical students. 32 , 46 Another strategy was the creation of Health Professions Affinity Clubs, in which volunteers visited high schools to introduce students to health professions via projects, mentoring, and shadowing opportunities.…”

“…Clinical shadowing opportunities with faculty and resident physicians were included in many programs. 2 , 31 , 35 , 36 , 41 , 42 , 47 , 49 – 52 These shadowing opportunities often progressed to shadowing with history-taking and ended with independent history-taking and oral presentations. 51…”

“…Sessions use lectures, dissection lab, clinical shadowing, workshops on writing skills, and workshops on professional development. 42 …”

“…2 Programs vary from summer experiences 2,37,40 to longitudinal experiences during the school year 19 and offer educational components, such as core sciences (eg, biology, chemistry) 2 or healthcare-related topics (eg, disparities, physiology, patient interview sessions). 19,27,32,41,42 Interactive sessions such as simulation, physical exam practice, workshops, and seminars are also included. 19,31,32,36,41,43 College preparation is a significant component of many elementary-to-high-school PPs, and include exposure and guidance to the university admissions process, 2,19,41 financial aid guidance, 2,19,41 and college fairs.…”