Paediatric shadowing: a student-led initiative to increase medical student interest in paediatric careers.

Introduction: Clinical exposure to paediatrics increases student interest in the specialty. However, the paediatric placement is relatively short and usually falls towards the end of medical school in the UK. A student-led shadowing scheme was developed to provide opportunities for medical students, including those at an early stage, to experience clinical paediatrics.

Methods: Paediatric society members could apply for a shadowing day in the scheme run in 2022 and 2023. Feedback was collected following the day. Free text answers on learning points and the impact of shadowing on views of paediatrics were analysed using a framework approach. Knowledge of the role of a paediatrician and consideration of a career in paediatrics were rated on a 5-point Likert scale before and after the shadowing day.

Results: 66 and 37 students completed shadowing days in cycles 1 and 2, respectively. Students' knowledge of the role of the paediatrician and consideration of a career in paediatrics increased significantly after the shadowing scheme. The key themes that participating year 1-2 students gained from the scheme were: increased interest in paediatrics, increased knowledge about the specialty, challenges and decision-making in paediatrics, variety within paediatrics, communication skills, working with families, improving practical skills and some overwhelming first clinical experiences.

Discussion: A student-run shadowing scheme is a novel and sustainable way to provide early exposure to paediatrics in medical school. This will help to develop interest in paediatrics from the start of medical school, as clinical exposure is a key factor in choosing paediatrics once qualified.