Medical School Graduates' Perceptions of the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Their Education and Career Preparation (Poster 48)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Nine
  In Poster Session: Division I Poster Session

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered medical education. Using 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges Graduation Questionnaire data, we explored how Class of 2021 graduates perceived the pandemic’s positive and negative impacts on their preparation for transition to residency. After independently coding written responses and jointly identifying affordances, we observed that students nationally discussed various positive and negative perceptions of affordances of the pandemic-disrupted environment as they prepared for residency. Despite the lack of in-person clinical exposure and practice that concerned many, the pandemic afforded students with opportunities that reinforced and redefined their professional identities. Understanding the affordances that impacted this cohort of physicians should inform approaches to assure the continued training of physicians and wellbeing of students during future crises.

Authors

• Amy Jayas, Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
  Presenting Author

• Lynn Shaull
  Non-Presenting Author

• Dorothy Andriole, Association of American Medical Colleges
  Non-Presenting Author

• Douglas Grbic, Association of American Medical Colleges
  Non-Presenting Author

• Katherine McOwen
  Non-Presenting Author