Maximizing the Moment: Integrating Medical Students into GME During Recruitment Season

Every fall, GME programs across the country prepare to welcome a new wave of visiting medical students. These learners are not just temporary guests, they are potential future residents, ambassadors of their home institutions, and early reflections of a program’s educational culture.

As we enter recruitment season, this influx of medical students offers a unique opportunity to evaluate how well we support, teach, and integrate medical learners into our training environments.

Why it Matters

Medical students are often the first to experience the culture of your residency or fellowship program. Their observations and the feedback they bring back can influence not just recruitment outcomes but institutional reputation. Programs that approach this moment with intention often see long-term gains.

5 Ways to Optimize Medical Student Engagement During Recruitment Season

1. Prepare Your Residents to Teach

   Residents often default to modeling behavior, but active teaching requires preparation. Host a short workshop or orientation focused on:

   1. Feedback models (e.g., One-Minute Preceptor)

   2. Bedside teaching techniques

   3. Respectful correction

   4. Handling sensitive or complex topics

2. Clarify Expectations

   Create a brief “Expectations of Medical Students” handbook or digital resource. Include:

   1. Learning objectives

   2. What they can and shouldn’t do in clinical spaces

   3. How evaluations will be conducted

   4. Point people for questions or concerns

3. Make Evaluations Meaningful

   Avoid “check the box” assessments. Encourage residents and faculty to provide actionable feedback and highlight growth opportunities. Remember: thoughtful comments can shape a student’s path and your program’s reputation.

4. Foster Belonging

   Ensure students are included in educational sessions, social opportunities, and daily huddles. Assign a resident mentor or point of contact to help them navigate the learning environment and institutional culture.

5. View Them as Recruits

   Every interaction contributes to a student’s perception of your program. Use this opportunity to subtly highlight:

   1. Educational innovations

   2. Program values

   3. Wellness initiatives

   4. Resident camaraderie

Final Thought

Your program’s ability to welcome and teach medical students during this busy season isn’t just about doing the right thing educationally, it’s a strategic recruitment tool. When students feel seen, supported, and taught with intention, they remember. And often, they return.

When we invest in teaching, we’re not just shaping students, we’re strengthening the future of medicine.