Interest and Perceptions of Student-Run Health Clinics: A Survey at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Introduction: Medical students are interested in maximizing clinical experiences during preclinical years; we report an exploratory survey of student and faculty interest in a student-run health clinic (SHC) at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU). Methods: We distributed via e-mail a questionnaire to explore student and faculty opinions regarding the role of a SHC at the USU. Results: Nearly half of the students (310/669; 46%) and one in five faculty members (78/427; 18%) responded. 227 students stated the USU should have a SHC and 247 students were willing to commit time to a SHC on a weekly or monthly basis. The majority of participants believe work in a SHC would benefit various clinical attributes representative of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education residency accreditation requirements. However, most participants believe work in a SHC would benefit only students pursuing careers in primary care whereas having less benefit to surgical careers. Conclusion: Our survey suggests that there is sufficient student interest at the USU to explore additional clinical opportunities early in the medical school experience; we furthermore identified a subtle yet profound difference of opinions in students and faculty regarding the benefits of early clinical exposure and different specialties.