Evaluation of a Pilot Medical Student-Resident Liaison Program in Psychiatry

As psychiatry residency programs grow increasingly competitive, innovative mentorship models are needed to support medical students' academic development. This study evaluates the Medical Student Resident Liaison (MSRL) Program, implemented in the academic year 2023-2024, aimed at connecting medical students to psychiatry-related scholarly opportunities, including research, teaching, and networking.

Eighteen participants completed surveys assessing changes in knowledge, interest, project access, and confidence in their residency applications. Additionally, a focus group interview with medical students provided qualitative insights, analyzed through thematic analysis to identify key experiences and areas for improvement.

Survey analysis revealed significant increases in students' perceived knowledge (p=0.001), access to psychiatry projects (p=0.004), and confidence in their residency application CVs (p=0.039). The focus group identified key benefits of the program, such as enhanced access to research opportunities, networking, and autonomy in project involvement.

The MSRL program effectively enhanced students' academic growth, confidence, and engagement with psychiatry. It serves as an adaptable model for addressing limited faculty availability and increasing interest in psychiatry residency. Implementing structured mentorship programs as early as the first or second year of medical school may further enhance student preparedness, particularly if coupled with faculty-led networking opportunities. As previous research indicates, residents' unique position in mentorship is associated with better medical student outcomes, and we advise the implementation of the MSRL program to all interested specialties.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-025-02404-w.