Measuring the Efficacy of Pathology Career Recruitment Strategies in US Medical Students

Abstract

Context.— Multiple articles and surveys in the literature suggest that medical students find a career in pathology undesirable and believe it is disproportionately focused primarily on the autopsy. Objective.— To measure the effect of applied interventions on medical student attitudes about the field of pathology. Design.— This prospective study involving medical students from first through fourth year was conducted as a pilot study in 2 medical schools in the United States. A 2-part anonymous survey regarding interest in pathology as a career and familiarity with the specialty using a 10-point scale was given to first- and second-year medical students before and after they listened to a 10-minute pathology career presentation. The same survey was given to third- and fourth-year medical students before and after a 4-week pathology elective. Results.— A total of 121 and 83 students responded to the survey before and after the intervention, respectively. Of the 121 students who responded to the survey before the intervention, 106 (87.6%) had not spent significant time in a pathology laboratory before the intervention. The majority of responses in interest in career, job responsibilities, and features of pathologists before and after the intervention demonstrated a statistically significant difference (P < .001). We compared survey scores of presentation versus 4-week rotation groups before and after the intervention. Students who experienced the presentation did not differ from students who experienced the rotation in the majority of questions related to interest in career, job responsibilities, and features of pathologists. Conclusions.— Our study suggests that pathology exposure strategies can have a beneficial effect on student perceptions of the field and consideration of a career in pathology. Overall, the presentation intervention on the first- and second-year students seemed to have the greatest effect.

The impact of Pathology Outreach Program (POP) on United States and Canadian high school students

“…In the eyes of the public, pathologists have traditionally been associated with forensics and autopsy work, with personalities much akin to the “quirky” or “socially awkward” individuals portrayed in television shows and mainstream media. 15 Furthermore, there exists little (if any) formal exposure to the daily practices of pathologists in medical school, with a majority of information regarding the field coming from traditional lectures in first- and second-year curricula and voluntary rotations in the third and fourth year. 1 , 11 , 15 Common themes from previously referenced studies regarding dissuading factors to enter pathology include: lack of direct patient contact, little prestige/visibility relative to other physicians, dislike for microscope/laboratory work, low pay, and a poor future job market.…”

“… 15 Furthermore, there exists little (if any) formal exposure to the daily practices of pathologists in medical school, with a majority of information regarding the field coming from traditional lectures in first- and second-year curricula and voluntary rotations in the third and fourth year. 1 , 11 , 15 Common themes from previously referenced studies regarding dissuading factors to enter pathology include: lack of direct patient contact, little prestige/visibility relative to other physicians, dislike for microscope/laboratory work, low pay, and a poor future job market. 1 , 11 , 12 , 15 Given this data and previously mentioned social media concerns, there is clear room for improvement in increasing exposure and addressing misconceptions about pathology earlier in medical training.…”

“… 1 , 11 , 15 Common themes from previously referenced studies regarding dissuading factors to enter pathology include: lack of direct patient contact, little prestige/visibility relative to other physicians, dislike for microscope/laboratory work, low pay, and a poor future job market. 1 , 11 , 12 , 15 Given this data and previously mentioned social media concerns, there is clear room for improvement in increasing exposure and addressing misconceptions about pathology earlier in medical training.…”