Premed Research Program: Impact on Physician Retention in an Underserved Community

Background: Physician shortages are prevalent in medically underserved areas, where healthcare disparities hinder physician recruitment and retention. The Hawai’i Pacific Health (HPH) Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) provides early clinical and research experiences to pre-med students from Hawai’i, enhancing their qualifications, improving medical school acceptance rates, and expanding the pool of local students committed to practicing in Hawai’i. By these means, the SSRP aims to address physician shortages and improve local physician retention.

Objective: This study evaluates the impact of HPH’s SSRP on medical school admissions, career trajectories, and long-term retention of healthcare professionals within Hawai’i, a medically underserved region.

Methods: A 38-year retrospective analysis was conducted on 393 SSRP alumni (1986–2023), assessing educational and career outcomes, such as medical school admission, residency, and practice location. Data was gathered through surveys and internet research. Trends were compared across early (1986–2002) and recent (2003–2023) cohorts.

Results: Alumni of HPH’s SSRP demonstrated a 73% medical school admission rate. Among the 393 alumni, 221 are practicing physicians, 74 of which practice in Hawai‘i. Of those still in training, 81% plan to return to practice locally. The program has generated 57 abstracts, 43 posters, 53 oral presentations, and 37 peer-reviewed journal publications, showcasing its scholarly impact. The program also facilitated students’ exposure to diverse clinical settings and one-on-one mentorship with local physicians.

Conclusion: The HPH SSRP has successfully guided local students toward medical careers, achieving a medical admission rate nearly 30% above the national average. By increasing the number of local students willing to practice in Hawai’i, the program contributes to physician recruitment and retention in Hawai‘i. Its alignment with community needs offers a valuable model for other underserved regions seeking to build a sustainable healthcare workforce. These findings highlight the potential of community-based SSRPs to alleviate regional physician shortages and promote healthcare equity in underserved areas.