Premedical Education Experiences of First-Generation College Graduates

How does first-generation college status shape the premedical experiences of medical students at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels, and what strategies can improve support across these domains?In this qualitative study of 37 medical students who were first-generation college students, participants reported facing many premedical challenges, including financial instability and limited medical school–related social connections. Individual themes identified included financial instability and lack of clinical exposure; interpersonal themes included access to premedical advisors, faculty mentors, and peer networks; and organizational themes included limited institutional resources and pathway programs.These findings suggest that interpersonal and organizational support can help address obstacles faced by first-generation students during their premedical education.

Corresponding Author: Mytien Nguyen, MS, Department of Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510 (mytien.nguyen@yale.edu).

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