How does pre-admission community service compare with community service during medical school?

Background: Little research has examined the link between premedical community service and subsequent community service undertaken in medical school. Purpose: This study examined the relationship between applicants' community service history with reported community service experiences during medical school. Methods: Admission files were retrospectively reviewed and community service hours during medical school were totaled for 2003 graduates at the study institution. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regressions. Results: Applicants who were women, had volunteered with multiple types of organizations, and volunteered more than 2 years were all significantly more likely, χ² p < .05, to have provided greater community service hours during medical school than others. Conclusions: Aspects of applicants' community service histories, particularly the number of different types of organizations served and length of service, appear related to their subsequent community service involvement in medical school. Admissions committees may wish to provide additional consideration to such applicants.