Pre-Enrollment Experiences Influencing Medical School Entry and Retention: A Qualitative Study

• In Event: 68.030 - Qualitative Studies: Experiences and Practices of Health Professionals

Abstract

We aimed to understand pre-enrollment experiences that influence medical school entry using the Social Cognitive Career Theory framework. Our research question is: “What are the personal and institutional experiences before medical school enrollment that participants described as being relevant to their medical school entry?” In this qualitative study, we conducted twenty semi-structured interviews across the United States with students at various stages in the Doctor of Medicine programs, uncovering four themes related to pre-enrollment experiences: interest in medicine and motivating factors for medical school entry, factors considered in school selection, relevant mentoring, and preparatory measures for medical school. Our findings advance our understanding about the nature of the pre-enrollment experiences that influence medical school entry/persistence.

Authors

• Devasmita Chakraverty, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

• Donna B. Jeffe, Washington University in St. Louis

• Robert H. Tai, University of Virginia