Personalised Pathways (PP) in the Medical Curriculum: How Does It Influence Students?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Career Development
• Student Experience

Background:

• Sydney Medical School implemented the Personalised Pathways (PP) program in 2020 for Year 2 medical students.
• The PP program aimed to provide early exposure to specialty areas and allow students to individualize their education.
• The impact of the PP program on student career preferences was not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore student engagement and experiences within the PP placement.
• To understand how the PP placement influences student views on medical specialties.
• To investigate the program's effect on students' career intentions and the role of consultants.

Main Methods:

• In 2023, 220 optional PP placements were offered to 254 Year 2 medical students across six teaching hospitals.
• 103 students (84% of applicants) secured a placement, attending 4 hours weekly for 12 weeks.
• Qualitative data were collected via survey from 24 students (23% response rate) regarding their perceptions of the placement.

Main Results:

• Students reported increased awareness of specialty career pathways, lifelong learning, and work-life balance.
• The PP program provided insights into the leadership and teaching roles of consultants.
• The placement influenced students' perceptions of different medical specialties and career options.

Conclusions:

• The Personalised Pathways program offers valuable early opportunities appreciated by medical students.
• The program prompted some students to reconsider their career choices, while others confirmed their initial intentions.
• The PP program effectively enhanced students' understanding of specialty roles and career planning.