A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Medical Students and Preceptor Physicians during Clinical Training at Regional Public Hospitals

This study explored the experiences of medical students who underwent clinical training at regional public hospitals and their preceptor doctors, with the ultimate goal of suggesting measures for maintaining medical students’ clinical training at regional public hospitals. Data were collected from the two medical colleges and two public hospitals that conducted regular clinical training. The data included interviews with three residents who had practiced at public hospital before the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic as medical students, essays from 35 third-year medical students from two medical colleges who had practiced at public hospitals in early 2023, and interviews with three preceptor doctors of public hospitals. Thematic analysis was performed. Medical students reflected on the true meaning of primary care, patient-centered care, and the essence of doctors, and recognized the importance of public hospitals and public health care in the community. This experience informed their career choice. Medical students wanted a longer training period, practical experience in various fields, especially public health care, and more systematic training. Preceptor doctors also thought that training was an opportunity for medical students to experience primary care and public health care and broaden their horizons for career option. They suggested collaboration between the medical college and the public hospital, dedicated roles for some doctors, and supplementation of the public hospital’s facilities and systems. The results of this study can be used as basic data when planning future community-based clinical training and training at public hospitals.