The CRAFT program: Clinical mentorship during first year of medical school can impact future career trajectory for choosing residency programs

Abstract

Background The CRAFT Program is a volunteer student-run clinical mentorship program that started in 2015 at an academic medical center in the Mid-Atlantic region. Clinical exposure during the first year of medical school may influence a student’s decision to pursue Internal Medicine for their residency program of choice. Methods First year medical school students (N = 77) at an academic medical center in the Mid-Atlantic region (freshman classes of 2020–2022) who participated in clinically reimagined apprenticeship for physician training (CRAFT) program were followed from freshman year until their medical school graduation. Information regarding first year mentor’s specialty and student’s match list data were collected. A retrospective chart analysis of CRAFT program volunteers was conducted. Exclusion Criteria consisted of students who did not match into residency and those who took gap years during medical school, where match data was unavailable. Results Students (51%) who participated in CRAFT matched into the same specialty of medicine as their CRAFT program mentors (P = 0.765, Chi Square Test). Of students (23%) who chose mentors in Internal Medicine, 50% matched into Internal Medicine residency programs (P < 0.0001, Chi Square Test). Our results demonstrate the importance of early clinical mentorship in medical school. Conclusion Clinical mentorship programs during the first year of medical school may be important for choosing future residency programs, leading to successful career goals. Timely engagement with mentors can be crucial in influencing career choices in the field of Internal Medicine.