Voluntary community service in medical school: A qualitative study on student leaders’ motivations, experiences, and outcomes

Abstract

Background: Participation in community service within underprivileged communities among medical students is associated with numerous positive outcomes, such as promoting empathy, enhancing leadership qualities, and fostering civic and social responsibility. We conducted a qualitative study to understand the experiences, motivations and student-reported outcomes on personal growth, when medical students in a developed Asian country participate in local and overseas community services.

Methods: We recruited medical students from Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSOM), National University of Singapore, who were leaders of a community service project organized in medical school. Twelve one-to-one interviews were held for the participants from 6 to 8 January 2013. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed into free-flow text. Thematic analysis was performed independently by three researchers.

Results: Motivations to participate in community service include past-positive community service experience and present motivations such as compassion, self-discovery etc. Students reported higher empathy levels, improved communication, organization, decision-making, interpersonal, and leadership skills. The degree of influence on academic work and residency choice were varied.

Conclusion: Community service in medical school enriches medical students by bringing about improved self-reported outcomes, leadership skills, and interpersonal skills. It has some bearing on residency choice and academic work.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the medical students of Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine who participated in the study.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest in relation to this article.

Notes on contributors

Alvona Zi Hui Loh and Julia Shi Yu Tan, are fourth and second year medical students from Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, respectively.

Jeannette Jen-Mai Lee, MBBS (Hons), B Med Sci, MD, is an Associate Professor and Vice Dean of Education at Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore/National University Health System.

Gerald Choon-Huat Koh, Masters in Medicine in Family Medicine, Masters in Gerontology and Geriatrics, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Director of Medical Undergraduate Education at Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore/National University Health System.