Scholarly Concentrations Program: Contributing to Student Satisfaction

Abstract

Introduction/Background: The Indiana University School of Medicine Scholarly Concentrations Program was launched in summer 2019 with 11 concentrations, at least one on each campus, and several goals, including enhancing student experience and satisfaction, and enhancing campus and IUSM reputation. Currently, there are 16 concentrations, nearly 500 student participants, nearly half on regional campuses, and more than 250 faculty, staff and community partners engaged.

Study objective/Hypothesis: The study objective is to assess student satisfaction with the program and if the program is achieving its goal around regional campus recruiting and retention.

Methods: Between the academic years 2021-2022 and 2024-2025, students participating in the Scholarly Concentrations Program were asked to complete an annual program survey. While the majority of the survey is consistent across class years, MS4s are asked “end of program” questions.

Results: Scholarly Concentrations Program participants are increasingly satisfied with the program according to multiple metrics. In addition, by virtue of their work with faculty, peers and/or local collaborators, 85% feel engaged with their campus. Additionally, 94% of graduating students say the program strengthened their CV/interviews during residency search. Between 25% and 50% of MS3s and MS4s on regional campuses say the program increased their interest in remaining at their home campus beyond Phase 1.

Conclusion: Our Scholarly Concentrations Program is helping to increase student satisfaction with their medical education experience, in generally, and on regional campuses, in particular. While this is a relatively new development, and we know that there are many factors impacting a student’s desire for a particular campus, we believe the program is having a positive impact. To further explore this and gain feedback after graduation, questions are being added to the school’s PGY-1 survey.