Tracking Medical Students and Graduates from Hometown to Practice using Geographic Information Systems, 2011-2017

Abstract

Background: Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) through its statewide system provides medical education and clinical experiences across Indiana for more than 1,450 medical students in nine regions, including Indianapolis and eight regional medical campuses (RMCs). The majority of medical students begin their education distributed among the RMCs, and some students continue clinical experiences at the RMCs for their third and fourth years.

Methods: We used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to visualize and document the contribution of our RMCs in Indiana to the physician workforce pipeline. Using data from the 2011-2017 graduating classes, we created a geospatial database that linked key information from student records and public domain sources (e.g., hometown, campus assignment, PGY1 specialty, and practice) with their corresponding locational information. ArcGIS 10.5 GIS software was used to produce a series of maps to visualize patterns in student outcomes among the RMCs over time.

Results: By using GIS to track medical trainees from hometown to practice, we can provide accurate visualization of extensive geographic data. The maps revealed similarities and differences among the RMCs not fully appreciated until visually mapped, including the specialty choice of students from different campuses and the proportion of graduates practicing in medically underserved areas of the state.

Conclusions: GIS maps and their analyses can identify strengths and distinctions among the RMCs while providing accurate descriptions of the role of geography in the professional development journey of the physician workforce. This ongoing project is a major step toward integrating GIS as a familiar tool in academic administration and health workforce research to assist future decision-making by the school leadership.