What Role Do Medical Schools Play in Shaping a Humanistic Physician? The Intersection Between Climate and Perception

• In Event: Higher Education, Science, and Society

Abstract

This study examines how students’ background characteristics and their experiences in medical school are associated with outcomes related to the humanistic practice of medicine. Using longitudinal survey data from two U.S. medical schools, we examine how student inputs and experiences relate to their perceptions of diversity in medicine and universal health care. Using survey data completed by medical students at two medical schools in the Midwest and Southwest United States, we analyzed data using an I-E-O approach (Astin, 1970). Our preliminary findings suggest that SES is an important predictor of each of the outcomes in our study. Specifically, students who are more affluent are less likely to support diversity in medicine and equal access to healthcare.

Authors

• Celia O'Brien, The University of Arizona

• Jeffrey F. Milem, The University of Arizona