Exploring the breadth of medicine: 8-year outcomes of a brief clinical summer immersion for premedical students

Abstract

Background: Exposure to the breadth of healthcare opportunities is crucial to high-school and college students considering a career in medicine. Most programs revolve around research or subspecialties, limiting exposure to the richness within medicine. Objective: We conducted a program evaluation of the Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (CSI) 2-week program, to understand learner viewpoints around CSI program utility, and to assess long term impact. We assess viewpoints by learner level (high school versus college) and participation mode (in-person versus virtual). Methods: In 2016 we launched a two-week premedical internship, incorporating AAMC core competencies. In 2022 and 2023, we surveyed past participants, collecting demographic data and evaluating/comparing CSI’s impact on educational and career paths, future preferences in healthcare careers, and influential factors of matriculation for high-school and college participants. Results: Of 411 past participants, 42% responded (n = 173). We found minimal significant differences between high school and college students. The primary reason for joining was exploring a career in health professions. Notably, 82% acknowledged Stanford-CSI broadened their medical perspectives, 79% gained clarity on healthcare professionals' daily life, 79% heightened their interest in healthcare careers, 71% enhanced their resumes, and 72% learned valuable clinical skills. In-person participants reported developing more friendships (agree/strongly agree: 60% vs 35%, unpaired t-test: p = 0.01), while virtual participants reported having more interest in research careers (40% vs 68%, p = 0.01). Amongst high school matriculants (n = 133), 46% are now in college and 4% in medical or nursing school. Amongst collegiate matriculants (n = 40), 89% have graduated and 11% are now in graduate or medical school. All respondents believed Stanford-CSI was a worthwhile investment of time and resources, with nearly all reporting subsequent increased interest in medicine. Conclusions: Stanford-CSI's summer internship gives premedical students real-world medical profession exposure and fosters meaningful connections. Our findings and teaching framework can guide similar program developments, supporting future medical education initiatives.