Entering Medical Student Survey

The Entering Medical Student Survey is an instrument used to deliver a baseline understanding of students as they begin their medical education.  The survey can provide insight into the composition of the class and type of student the institution attracts for admissions professionals and faculty, while also delivering key "input" data for evaluation of education process.  This survey is best utilized in conjunction with another recurring survey to track the progression of   a student's attitudes and dispositions towards medicine and related topics.

Below are some of the topics for which students are asked to respond in the survey.

Demographics

One of the key aspects of the Entering Medical Student Survey is understanding the composition of the class.  Questions ascertaining the race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, parental income, parental education, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and political ideology of the student are part of this section.

Admissions

This section asks for information about when students decide to attend medical school, their confidence in this endeavor, the number of medical schools they applied to and for which they were accepted, as well as their priority for the eventualy institution chosen.  The survey also asks questions that pertain to the factors that encourage a student to pursue a medical education.

Beliefs about Doctors and Medicine

There are a series of questions within the survey that seek to understand the student's perceptions and understanding of both doctors and the practice of medicine.  These questions include approaches to the patient care, the qualities of a good doctor, and the role of empathy in practice.

Personal Characteristics

Students are asked to provide answers to questions that pertain to their personal characteristics with regard to dealing with stress, working with others, and respect for authority.  Students are also asked to rate their abilities and strengths (cooperation, creativity, academic ability, self-confidence, etc.).

Personal Beliefs/Views

Throughout the survey there are a number of questions that seek to understand the student's stance on many social issues that are directly linked to the field of medicine.  These include race, ethnicity, gender, and healthcare policy.  This section also asks personal questions about the individual's beliefs and views on many societal issues including spirituality, politics, national healthcare, poverty and power.

Intergroup Interaction

There are a few questions on the survey that seek to understand the student's comfort and experience with engaging people from different racial/ethnic backgrounds.  These questions also continue to seek understanding of a student's experience with other from different religious and political backgrounds.

Specialty

Students are encouraged to define their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice medical specialty preference as they begin the program.  This is especially important for the follow-up surveys to track the progression of a student's interest from the M1 to M4 years.