The Value of Student-Run Clinics for Premedical Students: A Multi-Institutional Study

Introduction. Research has shown that student-run clinics (SRCs) are ideal experiential learning arenas for medical students, but no studies have characterized the impact of SRC participation on premedical students.

Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study with newly matriculated first-year medical students at five California medical schools to determine the impact of premedical involvement in SRCs. Participants completed an anonymous one-time online survey that included demographic information and questions regarding SRC involvement prior to medical school.

Results. Two-hundred eighty-seven out of 588 (48.2%) newly matriculated first-year medical students responded, with 17.4% of respondents reporting that they had volunteered in SRCs prior to medical school. These students identified SRCs as meaningful venues for developing patient interaction skills and finding medical student and physician mentors.

Discussion. Prior to medical school matriculation, SRC experiences may be important experiential learning arenas, providing premedical students with an authentic clinical setting and access to mentors.