High School Day Camp Provides Insight into the Career Path and Recruitment of Future Physicians

A physician shortage is predicted within the next 10 years in the U.S. Multiple obstacles may prevent students from choosing a career as a medical doctor including understanding of the career path. Minimizing this shortage and improving physician recruitment are being pursued. One endeavor is to address medical careers for students at the high school level. A one-day camp for high school students with an interest in a career as a physician was designed to minimize these obstacles and improve understanding of the physician career path. The camp comprised morning informational sessions with panels of undergraduate students, medical students, residents, and attending physicians. The afternoon session included hands-on activities related to physician training. Pre-camp and post-camp surveys were administered to obtain demographic information, interest level in practicing medicine, impact of the camp on understanding of career path, and the camp's influence on student comprehension of the daily routine for a physician. Results from the surveys show a significant benefit in increasing students' knowledge of the physician workday and the path to becoming a physician. Further considerations for this camp include establishing a mentorship program for high school students, reaching out to underrepresented groups in healthcare, and encouraging participation from rural areas. The camp was established through the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, local Women in Medicine and Sciences (WIMS) chapter. It is now an annual event, continuing to benefit South Dakota high school students with interests in medicine.