Developmental student support in undergraduate medical education: AMEE Guide No. 92

Abstract

Developmental student support has a focus on developing the whole person, not only academic and clinical competence. The positive and proactive developmental approach is in marked contrast to the deficit and reactive approach to student support which only targets identified students who are considered to be “at risk”. The medical school is a nexus for personal development, combining the personal identity formation journey of early adulthood with the variety of new experiences in medical school. Important aspects of developmental student support are the development of resilience and ensuring reasonable adjustments for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. Careers guidance is an essential aspect of developmental student support, including students with doubts about a career in medicine and who are leaving because of poor performance. Developmental student support requires an organizational culture in which student support is considered as the responsibility of everyone, with further support from named personal tutors.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.