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June 3, 2026Open Access

Challenges Facing First-Generation College Graduates in Medical School: A Qualitative Analysis

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Authors

CHCatherine HavemannHMHyacinth R. C. MasonRRRegina G. Russell

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Overview

Qualitative analysis explores challenges in medical education for first-generation students, suggesting improved support strategies.

Key Points

  • The aim is to explore the challenges faced by first-generation medical students and identify opportunities for better support.
  • Qualitative study with 37 first-generation medical students from 27 US medical schools.
  • Participants underwent semi-structured interviews conducted by an interprofessional team.
  • Data analyzed with thematic analysis using a codebook for open and thematic coding.
  • Major themes identified include isolation and exclusion, difficulties accessing basic and educational resources, lack of institutional support, and reliance on resilience.
  • 56.8% of participants were female and 62.2% were in clinical training, indicating diverse demographics.
  • Findings highlight that inadequate support forces first-generation students to depend on grit rather than institutional resources.

Cite This Study

Havemann et al. (2023) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a1fc64adee9eb8c0dce7668https://doi.org/10.6082/ee4vh-tgq21
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Thriving, not surviving: a qualitative study on barriers and strengths of first-generation medical students2026
  2. 2First-generation medical school applicants: A quantitative study designed to identify areas of educational support2026
  3. 3Individual and System Factors Involved in First-Generation College Students’ Risk and Resilience: Qualitative Student Perspectives and Recommendations2026
  4. 4Professionalism Policies and Practices as Experienced by First-Generation Medical Students, Residents, and Physicians2024 · 5 citations
  5. 5Supporting the Success of First-Generation College Students: Challenges and Solutions2025