Long, Kevin
(2021)
Title Page
A Qualitative Study Exploring Perceptions of Supports, Coping Mechanisms, and Resilience for Unmatched Medical Students.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
This is the latest version of this item.
Abstract
One of the most traumatic experiences that a medical student can face is going through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) process and not matching to any position. Determining the next steps to take is crucial, but many students feel vulnerable and without time and clarity to make these important decisions. At this time, supports are most needed and often lacking. The United States is experiencing a physician shortage, and understanding the significance of underutilizing medical graduates is of high public relevance. The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory study is to solicit the personal narratives of individuals who did not match in the NRMP to gain a deeper understanding of the impacts, challenges, needs, and suggestions related to going unmatched that will inform development of support systems and coping mechanisms for future students who face this experience. We conducted 20 semi-structured qualitative interviews that were all recorded and transcribed verbatim. All transcripts were then coded using an open coding approach by two independent coders. Codes were then examined for relationships, patterns, categories and themes. The two key clusters of domains were the experience of going unmatched and advice regarding supporting unmatched individuals. Among the experience, key take home points were: 1) going unmatched was a psychologically, emotionally, and professionally devastating experience; 2) medical school preparation and responses were limited; and 3) participants emphasized personal mindset and seeking supports/help as keys to resilience. Among advice, participants had advice for different audiences: 1) to other students/unmatched individuals; 2) to medical schools; and 3) to the overall medical training system.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Thesis advisor | Chang, Judy | chanjc@upmc.edu | jcc61 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Finegold, David | dnf@pitt.edu | dnf | UNSPECIFIED |
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| Date: |
31 August 2021 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Submission Date: |
11 August 2021 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
53 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Multidisciplinary MPH |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
public health, medicine, trauma, resilience, supports |
| Date Deposited: |
31 Aug 2021 20:21 |
| Last Modified: |
31 Aug 2021 20:21 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/41698 |
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Title Page
A Qualitative Study Exploring Perceptions of Supports, Coping Mechanisms, and Resilience for Unmatched Medical Students. (deposited 31 Aug 2021 20:21)
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