Exploring Pre-Medical Experiences of First-Generation Medical Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 7:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Identity Formation: Underrepresented Learners' Experiences in the Professons

Abstract

First-generation college students face challenges affecting their representation, application, and matriculation to medical school. The research question examined was: What are the premedical experiences (including available supports and challenges) of first-generation medical students? In 2021-2022, with consent, we conducted, recorded, transcribed, and inductively analyzed semi-structured Zoom interviews (48 students; 27 medical schools). Key themes across the three levels of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model were: individual (family, financial background); interpersonal (advising, mentoring, social connections); and organizational (formal information, pathway programs). Findings highlighted how financial instability, limited social capital, and unfamiliarity with academic systems uniquely burdened first-generation students. Tailored mentorship/advising and participation in pathway programs can reduce structural barriers; foster fairness in medical education; and build a stronger and diverse physician workforce.

Authors

• Devasmita Chakraverty, Indian Institute of Management

• Branden Eggan, Albany Medical College, Union College, Siena College

• Hyacinth R.C. Mason, Tufts University

• Hannah L'Etoile, Brown University

• Jacqueline Diaz, Tufts University

• Valerie Rivera, Siena College

• Brandon Ascencio, Albany Medical College

• Catie Havemann, University of North Carolina, Dept of Emergency Medicine

• Regina G. Russell, Vanderbilt University

• Tasha R. Wyatt, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Dowin H. Boatright, New York University

• Mytien Nguyen, Yale University