STFM Plans to Change the Future through Premedical School Recruitment

Janice Benson

doi:10.1370/afm.586

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Pipeline Programs
Stephen W North

Published on: 24 June 2006
Future Family Physicians
R. Kurt Nicewander

Published on: 04 June 2006
Excellent!
Nicholas J. Batley

Published on: 04 June 2006

Published on: (24 June 2006)
Page navigation anchor for Pipeline Programs
Pipeline Programs
Stephen W North, Rochester, NY
Other Contributors:
I applaud the FFM project for initiating this discussion and encourage further discussion of how we as a specialty can "grow our own" from within our practices and communities.
If we as a specialty are truly committed to the development of pipeline programs I would strongly recommend the development of a national model and/or tool kit that can be adapted to local communities. We also must invest in maintaini...
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I applaud the FFM project for initiating this discussion and encourage further discussion of how we as a specialty can "grow our own" from within our practices and communities.
If we as a specialty are truly committed to the development of pipeline programs I would strongly recommend the development of a national model and/or tool kit that can be adapted to local communities. We also must invest in maintaining a national database of programs participants to allow for tracking from initial particpation through eventual career choice.
Over the past two summers we have developed and coordinated a successful pipeline program focused on encouraging rising high school seniors to pursue careers in the health professions. Our target population has been under represented racial and ethnic minorities as defined by HRSA. This project was one component of our department's Title VII funded exapnsion of the Kids Into Health Careers Curriculum. The IOM's report "In Our Nation's Compelling Interest" was employed as part of the justification for this program
A total of 13 students completed the program that consisted of 6 one week clinical rotations with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and medical social workers. In addition, on Fridays the students participated in a variety of didactic topics including research on disparities in health care, community advocacy, and CPR training.
Currently 9 of the 13 participants are pursuing or intending to pursue careers in the health professions.
Through this experience we have learned that the most important component is hands on experiences for students in real medical settings. Demonstrating to the students how their science and biology classes apply to medical careers allows them to realize their potential to succeed.
Based on our experiences we believe it is essential for future pipeline programs to develop criteria for success before they begin. How many family physicians do we hope to nurture and encourage from each program to define it as a success?
Economic sustainability is a significant challenge for any program of this type. Donors like to see outcomes. However, when the outcome is 10+ years away (for high school students) it is difficult to sustain interest.
By combining our local and regional experiences into a flexible national model we can develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive pipeline program.
Competing interests: None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.
Published on: (4 June 2006)
Page navigation anchor for Future Family Physicians
Future Family Physicians
R. Kurt Nicewander, Lincoln, RI, USA
I commend the STFM for restarting and expanding on an old concept. The AAFP has had a program, "Adopt a Future Family Doctor" that went back to high school, and placed a student with a Family Physician as a model, who encouraged them to become a family doctor.
I have always encouraged young patients to consider our Specialty, and if the premed student has spent time with a family doctor BEFORE starting college,...
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I commend the STFM for restarting and expanding on an old concept. The AAFP has had a program, "Adopt a Future Family Doctor" that went back to high school, and placed a student with a Family Physician as a model, who encouraged them to become a family doctor.
I have always encouraged young patients to consider our Specialty, and if the premed student has spent time with a family doctor BEFORE starting college, and maybe works for him when not in school, you will have an even better program.
In my opinion,the decrease of exposure in the media of our specialty has hurt our cause, so consider some real- life cable programs, beginning as early as possible, and revisit those chosen indivuals as they progress on their paths to Family Medicine, realizing there will be some dropouts. Consider recruiting retired family doctors to help in the implementation of your program, as I know I am not alone in my disappointment seeing the decline in American student interest in our great and rewarding specialty, as I approach retirement.
Sincerely, R.Kurt Nicewander,M.D.,FAAFP,Charter Member,ABFM
Competing interests: None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.
Published on: (4 June 2006)
Page navigation anchor for Excellent!
Excellent!
Nicholas J. Batley, Beirut, Lebanon
Dear Dr. Benson,
Excellent "call to arms" for Family Physicians who care about the specialty and want to see it develop positively in the future. Although I am not currently practicing my chosen vocation, I do still, on a daily basis, remind the students and residents I work with, the value Family Medicine holds for a community. What your article has done is make me think about extending that to younger folks...
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Dear Dr. Benson,
Excellent "call to arms" for Family Physicians who care about the specialty and want to see it develop positively in the future. Although I am not currently practicing my chosen vocation, I do still, on a daily basis, remind the students and residents I work with, the value Family Medicine holds for a community. What your article has done is make me think about extending that to younger folks I may come into contact with and perhaps playing a more active and concrete mentoring role to those who show interest.
Best regards from your ex-resident,
Nicholas J. Batley, M.D.
Competing interests: None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.