Physicians' perceptions of subject and skill inclusion in undergraduate premedical education to enhance success in medical training and practice

The purpose of this study is to examine practicing physicians attitudes towards subjects and skill they perceive necessary for success in medical school and as a practicing physician. The goal of this study was to identify specific subjects and skills physicians perceive as important for success and to review their inclusion in premedical and medical curricula.;The study consisted of a written survey containing demographic questions and a set of eight subject and sixteen skill items measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The survey was mailed to a random sample of 2,300 physicians Ohio and garnered 356 usable surveys for analysis (15.5% response rate). Response demographics were similar to the Ohio and national population of physicians. Data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics and ANOVA to determine if any specific demographic characteristic indicated significantly different responses.;The findings identified the following subjects as most important for success as a medical student: (1) communications (mu = 3.62), (2) natural sciences (mu = 3.55), and (3) technology (mu = 3.51). Skills identified as most important for success as a medical student: (1) ability to utilize computers/information technology (mu = 4.15), (2) ability to explore, self-educate and research ideas (mu = 4.12), and (3) being honest and truthful (mu = 4.03).;The findings identified the following subjects as most important for the success as a practicing physician: (1) business (mu = 4.19), (2) communications (mu = 4.01), and (3) technology (mu = 3.82). Skills identified as most important for success as a practicing physician: (1) ability to utilize computers/information technology (mu = 4.30), (2) being honest and truthful (mu = 4.18), and (3) ability to cope with complex moral and ethical issues (mu = 4.13). No significant differences were found in regards to demographic characteristics. A majority of items were rated as more important for success as in practice versus success in medical school.;This study indicates that the current method of choosing matriculants for medical school may not identify students who have the skills and education necessary to succeed in the practice of medicine. In addition, further study should be performed to identify subject and skill training that may be placed in the premedical and medical school curricula to better train future physicians.