Advancing Medical Education: Impact of Primary Care Pursuit and Career Stage on Perceptions of the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship

Introduction Despite research on how Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs) influence career choice, few studies have examined how graduates' career paths shaped their LIC experiences, a key gap in guiding LIC development that meets diverse learner needs. This study examined perspectives on the LIC among graduates pursuing primary care (PC) versus non‐PC, with career stage as a secondary aim. Methods This sequential mixed‐methods quality improvement study examined the LIC at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, which trains students in PC and population medicine. A survey evaluating the LIC was sent to all its graduates. Interested survey respondents participated in interviews exploring LIC factors that supported success, required improvement and shaped career direction. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests and interview data with theoretical thematic analysis. Results Among 87 survey respondents, 51% ( n = 44/87) were pursuing PC and 46% were not ( n = 40/87). PC respondents rated the LIC more positively than non‐PC respondents. Differences by career stage were minimal. Interviews with both PC ( n = 12) and non‐PC ( n = 14) LIC graduates identified similar themes. Continuity and autonomy supported success, whereas preceptorship variability, lack of programme standardisation and limited inpatient exposure required improvement. Many described the LIC as instrumental in clarifying career direction and broadening their physician identity. Conclusions PC graduates reported more positive LIC perspectives in surveys, though interviews identified shared experiences across PC and non‐PC paths. Perceptions varied little by career stage. Findings suggest practical strategies, including strengthening faculty development and operational infrastructure for developing and enhancing LICs.