Using an Older Adult Mentoring Program to Increase Interest in Geriatrics Among Medical Students
2024

Using an Older Adult Mentoring Program to Increase Interest in Geriatrics Among Medical Students

Sample size: 12 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Arnette Shannon, McIntyre Madeline

Primary Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University

Hypothesis

The Older Adult Mentoring Program will increase medical students' interest in geriatrics.

Conclusion

The mentoring program positively impacted students' attitudes towards working with older adults and pursuing geriatrics.

Supporting Evidence

  • Over 75% of students agreed that the program changed how they think about their healthcare needs and/or goals as they age.
  • Approximately 77% of students felt more confident working with older adults.
  • Over 60% of students were more open to pursuing geriatrics as a specialty.
  • Over 90% of students were more open to working with older adults regardless of their future specialty.

Takeaway

Medical students learned more about older adults and felt more confident working with them after a mentoring program.

Methodology

Students conducted three semi-structured interviews with older adult mentors over two semesters.

Participant Demographics

First-year medical students at a large, urban-serving university.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3922

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