Do residents benefit from participating in internal medicine interest groups? A study of resident perceptions from two institutions

Background: For more than a decade, primary care residency training programs have struggled to attract graduates of U.S. medical schools. Internal medicine (IM) interest groups (IMIGs) have been widely instituted to foster student interest in careers in IM. Residents can participate in many IMIG activities. Studies have not assessed the benefits gained by resident participants in such groups. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to residents at two IM residency training programs that contribute to IMIG activities at one medical school. Both participating and nonparticipating residents were included. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 44 of 58 IM residents (76% response rate; 25 participants and 19 nonparticipants). Free-text advantages reported were teaching (n = 6), mentoring (n = 8), and leadership (n = 5) opportunities, staying current in IM (n = 3), encouraging students to enter IM (n = 6), and improving resident morale (n = 6). Likert-scale responses were higher for participants than for nonparticipants for all questions; nonparticipants also reported that involvement in IMIG activities is beneficial for residents. Statistically significant results were seen for questions regarding the following: improves resident morale, fosters leadership opportunities, is a valuable experience, and feeling qualified to participate. Conclusions: Residents perceive that participation in an IMIG confers significant benefit, providing additional justification for conducting these interest groups.