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Capturing medical students' idealism.

Janice K Smith1, Donna B Weaver

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Tex 77555-1123, USA. jksmith@utmb.edu

Annals of Family Medicine
|September 28, 2006
PubMed
Summary

International health electives can boost medical students' idealism and compassion. A structured program in Nicaragua increased interest in serving underserved populations and heightened awareness of social determinants of health.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Education
  • Global Health
  • Social Determinants of Health

Background:

  • Student idealism and desire to serve underserved populations often decrease during medical training.
  • Academic health centers must cultivate socially responsible physicians to address health disparities.
  • International electives offer valuable experiences for medical students.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of an international health elective on preclinical medical students' attitudes and skills.
  • To determine if international experiences can foster idealism and a commitment to serving underserved populations.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-six preclinical medical students participated in a 4-week international elective in Nicaragua.
  • The program included 1 week of didactics followed by 3 weeks of clinical experience.
  • Post-elective questionnaires assessed changes in attitudes, awareness, and skills.

Main Results:

  • Students showed increased interest in volunteerism, humanitarian efforts, and serving underserved populations.
  • Participants reported greater compassion, heightened awareness of social determinants of health, and a broader global perspective.
  • Self-awareness and interest in public health also improved post-elective.

Conclusions:

  • A mentored international health experience positively influences preclinical students' attitudes.
  • Such programs can enhance compassion, volunteerism, and idealism towards serving the underserved.
  • International electives are a valuable tool for training socially responsible physicians.

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