Recruiting and retaining volunteer community preceptors

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Primary Care Training
• Community Preceptor Engagement

Background:

• Increasing demand for primary care experiences in medical schools.
• High competition among medical institutions for volunteer community preceptors.
• The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago's large-scale Longitudinal Primary Care (LPC) Program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and describe a successful model for increasing and maintaining a pool of community preceptors.
• To address the challenges of preceptor recruitment and retention in a competitive academic environment.
• To provide a replicable strategy for other medical schools.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on preceptor recruitment and retention strategies.
• Pilot program review and analysis.
• Preceptor surveys to understand motivations and needs.
• Development of a comprehensive recruitment and retention model.

Main Results:

• Implementation of a model incorporating targeted recruitment methods (e.g., brochures).
• Successful strategies for preceptor retention and recognition (e.g., adjunct faculty appointments, faculty development).
• Demonstrated success in increasing and maintaining a robust preceptor pool.

Conclusions:

• A systematic approach combining literature review, program evaluation, and preceptor feedback is effective.
• Formal recognition and development opportunities are key to retaining volunteer preceptors.
• The developed model offers a viable solution for medical schools facing preceptor shortages.