Elsevier

Journal of Surgical Education

Volume 79, Issue 3, May–June 2022, Pages 661-667
Journal of Surgical Education

ORIGINAL REPORTS
The Effect of COVID-19 on the Medical School Experience, Specialty Selection, and Career Choice: A Qualitative Study

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsurg.2021.11.007Get rights and content

OBJECTIVE

While COVID-19 had a profound impact on healthcare, its effects on medical students are less clear. This study explored the effects of COVID-19 safety measures on medical students’ specialty selection and career choices. It further considers the potential differential effects of COVID by gender.

DESIGN

Between June and November 2020 at a Midwestern medical university, medical students with an anticipated graduation in 2021 through 2023 participated in virtual focus group sessions, which explored students’ transition to remote learning during COVID-19, perception of gender bias within medical education, and personal and professional goals. Nine focus groups were held, with two to six students per session (n = 22). Focus groups were video recorded, transcribed verbatim, and data were deidentified. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using consensual qualitative analysis to identify themes.

RESULTS

Our analysis captured 3 themes: (1) Impact of Institutional Decision-Making due to COVID-19, (2) Impact of Unstructured Time on Professional and Personal Decision Making, and (3) Impact of Societal Pressures, Gender Bias, and Mentorship on Career Planning.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 disrupted important learning opportunities for medical students. Mentorship and shadowing are critical in helping students make career and specialty decisions, particularly for women. The loss of these opportunities may have lasting career impacts for all students.

KEY WORDS

Gender
Medical Students
Coronavirus
Mentoring
Specialty selection

Competencies

Professionalism
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

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