What Are the Unique Mentorship Needs of Fourth-Year Medical Students Applying to Pediatrics Residency?

OBJECTIVE

The qualities of good medical school mentors have been well described. However, there is little written about the mentoring needs of medical students applying to pediatrics residency.

METHODS

In order to characterize pediatrics interns' perspectives on the mentorship needs of fourth-year medical students applying to residency, the authors conducted an IRB-approved, qualitative-modified grounded-theory study using a brief survey and semistructured focus groups of pediatric interns in January and February 2018. Two investigators independently coded the focus group transcripts and reconciled codes to develop categories and themes using constant comparison, which were then reviewed by the third author for validation. To further ensure trustworthiness of analysis, participants were asked to comment on the themes' accuracy.

RESULTS

Eighteen pediatrics interns participated, representing 15 medical schools. Four major themes emerged: 1) effective mentors guide medical students to self-reflect and find their own answers about what is important to them in a residency program; 2) multiple mentors are helpful during the residency application process; 3) several key components of advising are often missing during the residency application process; 4) students find it difficult to be honest with their mentors if there is a perceived conflict of interest.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical students applying for pediatrics residency have specific mentorship needs and cite opportunities to improve this area of mentorship. Several key recommendations include utilizing multiple mentors and providing emotional support during the residency application process. In addition, near-peer mentorship is important for medical students applying to residency and should be facilitated by medical schools.