Amplifying the Student Voice: Medical Student Perceptions of AΩA.
AΩA Honor Society
UME learning environment
assessment subjectivity
equity
student perspectives
Journal
Journal of general internal medicine
ISSN: 1525-1497
Titre abrégé: J Gen Intern Med
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 8605834
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
28 Jun 2022
28 Jun 2022
Historique:
received:
26
07
2021
accepted:
30
03
2022
entrez:
28
6
2022
pubmed:
29
6
2022
medline:
29
6
2022
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
Recent literature has suggested racial disparities in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AΩA) selection and raised concerns about its effects on the learning environment. Internal reviews at multiple institutions have led to changes in selection practices or suspension of student chapters; in October 2020, the national AΩA organization provided guidance to address these concerns. This study aimed to better understand student opinions of AΩA. An anonymous survey using both multiple response option and free response questions. Medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to examine predictors of student opinion towards AΩA. Free responses were analyzed by two independent coders to identify key themes. In total, 70% of the student body (n = 547) completed the survey. Sixty-three percent had a negative opinion of AΩA, and 57% felt AΩA should not exist at the student level. Thirteen percent believed AΩA membership appropriately reflects the student body; 8% thought selection processes were fair. On multivariate analysis, negative predictors of a student's preference to continue AΩA at the student level included belief that AΩA membership does not currently mirror class composition (OR: 0.45, [95% CI: 0.23-0.89]) and that AΩA selection processes were unfair (OR: 0.20 [0.08-0.47]). Self-perception as not competitive for AΩA selection was also a negative predictor (OR: 0.44 [0.22-0.88]). Major qualitative themes included equity, impact on the learning environment, transparency, and positive aspects of AΩA. This single-institution survey demonstrated significant student concerns regarding AΩA selection fairness and effects on the learning environment. Many critiques extended beyond AΩA itself, instead focusing on the perceived magnification of existing disparities in the learning environment. As the national conversation about AΩA continues, engaging student voices in the discussion is critical.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Recent literature has suggested racial disparities in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AΩA) selection and raised concerns about its effects on the learning environment. Internal reviews at multiple institutions have led to changes in selection practices or suspension of student chapters; in October 2020, the national AΩA organization provided guidance to address these concerns.
OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to better understand student opinions of AΩA.
DESIGN
METHODS
An anonymous survey using both multiple response option and free response questions.
PARTICIPANTS
METHODS
Medical students at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
MAIN MEASURES
METHODS
Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to examine predictors of student opinion towards AΩA. Free responses were analyzed by two independent coders to identify key themes.
KEY RESULTS
RESULTS
In total, 70% of the student body (n = 547) completed the survey. Sixty-three percent had a negative opinion of AΩA, and 57% felt AΩA should not exist at the student level. Thirteen percent believed AΩA membership appropriately reflects the student body; 8% thought selection processes were fair. On multivariate analysis, negative predictors of a student's preference to continue AΩA at the student level included belief that AΩA membership does not currently mirror class composition (OR: 0.45, [95% CI: 0.23-0.89]) and that AΩA selection processes were unfair (OR: 0.20 [0.08-0.47]). Self-perception as not competitive for AΩA selection was also a negative predictor (OR: 0.44 [0.22-0.88]). Major qualitative themes included equity, impact on the learning environment, transparency, and positive aspects of AΩA.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
This single-institution survey demonstrated significant student concerns regarding AΩA selection fairness and effects on the learning environment. Many critiques extended beyond AΩA itself, instead focusing on the perceived magnification of existing disparities in the learning environment. As the national conversation about AΩA continues, engaging student voices in the discussion is critical.
Identifiants
pubmed: 35764758
doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-07544-y
pii: 10.1007/s11606-022-07544-y
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Informations de copyright
© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Society of General Internal Medicine.
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