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A first-year medical school pilot program for early clinical exposure
L Nathanson1, K Backer, L Long
1Division of Medical Oncology, Tutts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111.
Summary
An oncology outpatient elective for medical students enhances understanding of patient care and psychosocial issues. This clinical experience is highly motivating and perceived as valuable, especially as students progress in their training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Oncology
- Patient Care
Background:
- Medical students often lack early clinical exposure.
- Understanding psychosocial aspects of oncology is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a weekly outpatient elective in medical oncology for early-year medical students.
- To assess the impact of this elective on students' understanding of medical and psychosocial issues in oncology.
Main Methods:
- A weekly outpatient elective in a medical oncology clinic was implemented for first- and some second-year medical students.
- Interviews were conducted immediately after the elective and two years later to assess goal achievement.
Main Results:
- The elective successfully introduced students to major medical and psychosocial issues in oncology patient care.
- Student perception of the elective's usefulness increased over time, particularly as they entered clinical rotations.
- The clinical setting was valued more than increased medical knowledge or observing role models.
- Physician-patient communication and understanding oncology patient challenges were more favorably influenced than student confidence in patient interaction.
Conclusions:
- A clinical oncology outpatient experience is a rewarding educational tool for early-year medical students.
- Such electives justify the resources required for their development and implementation.
- Early clinical exposure in oncology positively influences medical students' understanding of patient-centered care.