A Family Day program enhances knowledge about medical school culture and necessary supports.
BACKGROUND
A Family Day program was implemented at Indiana University School of Medicine to educate the families and friends of in-coming medical students about the rigors of medical school and the factors that contribute to stress.


METHODS
Surveys that assessed knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about medical school were administered to participants before and after the program.


RESULTS
After the program, participants showed a significant improvement in their understanding of medical school culture and the importance of support systems for medical students. Post-test scores improved by an average of 29% (P < 0.001) in each of the two years this program was administered.


CONCLUSIONS
The inclusion of family members and other loved ones in pre-matriculation educational programs may serve to mitigate the stress associated with medical school by enhancing the students' social support systems.
Bell
Mary A
MA
Medical Student Affairs, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. mbell@iupui.edu
Smith
Paula S
PS
Brokaw
James J
JJ
Cushing
Herbert E
HE
D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012577:Schools, Medical; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*