Evaluation of a Medical Career Camp for High School Students: Impact on Career Perception and Decision-Making

This mixed-methods descriptive evaluation study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of a pioneering fee-based Medical Career Camp organized by Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine in Türkiye, designed to provide high school students with a realistic preview of medical education and career. The study involved 103 participants across five camp sessions between 2022 and 2024. Data was collected via a post-camp questionnaire featuring both quantitative (Likert-scale items on session efficacy) and qualitative (open-ended questions on career impact) components, analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results indicated high overall satisfaction (86.5%), with the highest ratings given to hands-on clinical skill sessions, such as suturing (9.32±1.75) and IV techniques (9.47±1.06) on a 1–10 scale. Thematic analysis identified six overarching themes, including clarification of career vision, the value of experiential learning, insight into authentic medical education, and informed career decision-making. The program supported both the consolidation of existing aspirations toward medicine and the reconsideration of this path, functioning as a structured career guidance program rather than solely as a promotional initiative. The program’s novel fee-based model within a state university setting, along with its emphasis on transparency and realistic job previews, is highlighted as a distinctive feature. Despite limitations such as sample size and socio-economic homogeneity resulting from the fee structure, the program demonstrates significant potential to shape informed career choices in healthcare. This study provides a replicable model for evidence-based pre-medical career programs.