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Can AHES really influence the distribution of physicians?
Journal of Medical Education
|August 1, 1977
Summary
The Area Health Education System (AHES) shows potential for influencing physician distribution in remote areas. While undergraduate education in AHES settings offered slight academic advantages, it fostered positive attitudinal changes among participants.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Physician Distribution
- Rural Health
Background:
- Understanding the impact of Area Health Education System (AHES) on physician distribution is crucial for addressing healthcare access in remote areas.
- Assessing the effectiveness of undergraduate medical education in non-traditional, remote settings is essential for curriculum development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Area Health Education System's (AHES) potential to influence physician distribution.
- To assess the impact of undergraduate surgical education in a remote setting on student learning and attitudes.
Main Methods:
- A "core" surgical experience was implemented in a remote site serving a population of approximately 20,000.
- Student performance was measured using written examinations.
- Attitudinal changes among participants were also observed.
Main Results:
- Students participating in the undergraduate education process in a first-exposure, remote AHES setting showed only a slight advantage on written examinations compared to those remaining in the university setting.
- Favorable attitudinal alterations were noted among participants involved in the AHES program.
Conclusions:
- The Area Health Education System (AHES) may positively influence physician attitudes towards rural practice, though its direct impact on long-term physician distribution requires further study.
- Undergraduate medical education in remote settings can foster positive attitudinal shifts, complementing traditional academic outcomes.