Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Journal

Academic Pediatrics

DOI

10.1016/j.acap.2025.102888

PMID

40683619

Abstract

Objective: Underrepresented in medicine visiting medical student programs (UIM-VMSPs) have gained popularity across specialties as an intervention to diversify residency programs; however, no study has explored the national landscape of these programs in pediatrics. This study aimed to characterize program components, residency rank and match outcomes, benefits, challenges, and lessons learned about UIM-VMSPs in pediatrics nationally.

Methods: From September to December 2023, the authors conducted a national, cross-sectional, mixed methods study surveying program leaders of UIM-VMSPs identified on the Association of Pediatric Program Directors website. The authors used descriptive statistics to analyze the data and conventional content analysis for free-text question responses.

Results: Of the 73 programs listed, 53 (73%) completed the survey. Thirty-three programs (62%) were created after 2020. In defining UIM for program participation, 46 programs (87%) reported using race and ethnicity alone or in combination with other identities. The most common program components were a clinical rotation (96%) and meeting with residency program leadership (91%). Fifty programs (94%) provided stipends with 21(42%) providing $2000. The biggest benefits identified were UIM recruitment with 25 programs (47%) matching at least 1 UIM-VMSP student thus far and demonstrating institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for current residents, faculty, staff, and UIM-VMSP participants. Participants highlighted the following 3 themes for lessons learned: 1) importance of comprehensive structuring of the program, 2) aligning selection criteria across the UIM-VMSP and residency program, and 3) gathering participant feedback.

Conclusions: These study findings can be used by residency programs, regardless of specialty, to create or enhance their own UIM-VMSPs.

Keywords

Humans, Pediatrics, Cross-Sectional Studies, Internship and Residency, United States, Students, Medical, Minority Groups, Surveys and Questionnaires, Cultural Diversity, Diversity, equity, and inclusion, Fourth year elective, Medical student, Underrepresented in medicine, Work force

Published Open-Access

yes

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