Journal of Regional Medical Campuses

Cross Campus Perceptions of the Role of a Novel Regional Medical Campus

Ryan C. Higgins, B.S.

Penn State College of Medicine-University Park Campus

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9713-6945

Marc Levine, B.S.

Penn State College of Medicine

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7081-7177

Michael P. Flanagan, M.D., FAAFP

Penn State College of Medicine-University Park Campus

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2377-4995

Emmanuelle D. Williams, M.D.

Penn State College of Medicine

Jack C. Higgins

University of Colorado Boulder

Britta M. Thompson, Ph.D., M.S.

Ira J. Ropson, Ph.D.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jrmc.v7i1.5078

Keywords: Regional Medical Campus (RMC), Perceptions, Primary Care

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Abstract

Regional medical campuses (RMCs) were initially established to address a projected physician shortage and have gained popularity throughout the country in also providing unique medical educational experiences. Despite the increasing prevalence of RMCs and progress toward meeting these needs, the overall perceptions of RMCs by faculty and students at the associated main campus have yet to be fully explored. In an attempt to address this gap, we administered a survey to both main campus and RMC students and faculty inquiring about perceptions of its associated RMC, including relative student competencies and opportunities for academic success at the RMC compared to their main campus counterpart. Furthermore, we paired these subjective perceptions with objective Match data, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK results, and research output data in order to better substantiate or challenge these viewpoints. Not only did we find significant differences in a variety of perceptions surrounding the RMC and its associated students, but we also identified overall negative viewpoints of RMC-trained students by main campus students and faculty. Looking more deeply, RMC students surveyed were found to believe their RMC may be even more negatively perceived by main campus faculty than actual responses indicated. Contrary to the prevailing views by main campus students and faculty, Match data revealed no significant differences between successful acceptance into both primary care and surgical specialties across both campuses. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores or research output across both campuses. This study identifies several unexpected perceptions of a successful RMC curriculum and its students held by main campus students and faculty responding to a survey. However, such viewpoints do not correlate with objective evidence, suggesting the presence of bias. Results suggest the need to further explore and define cross-campus perceptions between main campuses and their RMCs with objective metrics while also considering the potential unintended effects of crosscampus bias.