Preparedness for internship – a mixed-methods evaluation of the assistant in medicine program

Purpose: The transition from medical student to doctor is often daunting. With compulsory hands-on clinical exposure and pre-internship training included in Australian medical education, this study aims to explore whether the Assistant in Medicine (AiM) program contributed to students’ feelings of internship preparedness. Methodology: Participants were 2022–2023 alumni of the Joint Medical Program (JMP), run by the Universities of Newcastle and New England. All participants completed the Embedded Senior Medical Student (ESMS) program, a pre-internship program integrated into the final-year curriculum. Most participants also chose to participate in the AiM program. A mixed-method design was utilised to explore the experiences and perceived preparedness for internship. Part 1, a questionnaire, was distributed to eligible participants, focusing on common activities undertaken as a medical student and/or AiM. Identified patterns were used to guide Part 2, focus group discussions. Findings: While the survey data suggested that ESMS students and AiMs had similar exposures to tasks/procedures, focus group discussions revealed key differences in terms of level of independence of practice, type of work performed, sense of responsibility and opportunities to receive teaching. Research implications: This study contributes to the growing body of literature investigating the impact of the AiM program on medical student experience. It also highlights aspects of medical education perceived as valuable for internship preparedness. Practical implications: Further research exploring the AiM program should be utilised to help guide the design of medical school curriculums in relation to preparedness for internship. Originality/value: This study was the first of its kind to investigate the similarities and differences between student placements and the AiM program in Australia. Limitations: Given the retrospective nature of this study, there is a possibility of recall bias. There was a small study population with few participants not taking part in the AiM program.