Educational Value of Doctor Trainee Employments (“Student Doctor”) —A Questionnaire Study

Background: In Sweden, medical students can work as employed doctor trainees under supervision during medical school breaks. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the educational value of such employments, as well as to compare university and non-university positions. Method: A questionnaire was administered to all employed doctor trainees at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, in 2003-2004 (n = 67) plus all students in last term medical school 2005 who had had such a position inside or outside this university hospital (n = 43). The questionnaire included questions on trainee position/s, as well as statements regarding the educational value. Result: 75 unique individuals returned a filled-in questionnaire (response rate: 78%). The respondents experienced the positions as valuable concerning gain in professional confidence (mean ± standard deviation: 3.9 ± 1.1; 1 = total disagreement to 5 = total agreement) and independence (3.9 ± 1.1), subsequent learning in medical school (4.3 ± 0.9), and future professional work (4.2 ± 1.0). The gain in professional confidence and independence was greater for those who had worked in a non-university hospital (n = 17) than in a university hospital (n = 29): 4.4 ± 0.6 vs. 3.6 ± 3.6, P = 0.011; 4.3 ± 0.7 vs. 3.6 ± 1.1, P = 0.038. Conclusion: Employment as a doctor trainee seems to facilitate subsequent learning in medical school and enhance professional progress; the latter is particularly prominent in non-university hospitals.