National Landscape of Underrepresented in Medicine Visiting Medical Student Programs in Pediatrics

Underrepresented in medicine visiting medical student programs (UIM-VMSPs) have gained popularity across specialties as an intervention to diversify residency programs; however, no study has explored the national landscape of these programs in pediatrics. This study aimed to characterize program components, residency rank and match outcomes, benefits, challenges, and lessons learned about UIM-VMSPs in pediatrics nationally.

From September to December 2023, the authors conducted a national, cross-sectional, mixed methods study surveying program leaders of UIM-VMSPs identified on the Association of Pediatric Program Directors website. The authors used descriptive statistics to analyze the data and conventional content analysis for free-text question responses.

Of the 73 programs listed, 53 (73%) completed the survey. Thirty-three programs (62%) were created after 2020. In defining UIM for program participation, 46 programs (87%) reported using race and ethnicity alone or in combination with other identities. The most common program components were a clinical rotation (96%) and meeting with residency program leadership (91%). Fifty programs (94%) provided stipends with 21(42%) providing $2000. The biggest benefits identified were UIM recruitment with 25 programs (47%) matching at least 1 UIM-VMSP student thus far and demonstrating institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for current residents, faculty, staff, and UIM-VMSP participants. Participants highlighted the following 3 themes for lessons learned: 1) importance of comprehensive structuring of the program, 2) aligning selection criteria across the UIM-VMSP and residency program, and 3) gathering participant feedback.

These study findings can be used by residency programs, regardless of specialty, to create or enhance their own UIM-VMSPs.