Reflections of Medical Student Service Leaders: Implications for Admissions and Curriculum

Seventy-five students from five medical schools participated in structured interviews to elicit their community service history and opinions regarding the relationship of community service to the medical school admissions process and the medical school curriculum. An analysis of responses indicates that service leaders were: (a) influenced by family, church, or peers to participate in community service activities at an early age; (b) demonstrated interest in service activities through depth of commitment and assumption of a leadership role; (c) recognized that time conflicts hampered service participation during medical school; and (d) did not think that service experiences in medical school should be required. Results of this study are of value to admissions officers trying to select medical school applicants with a service commitment and to educators seeking to promote community service activity in their student body. The study underscores the impact of institutional commitment to service on the “professionalization” of physicians.