Date of Award
Winter 2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Kristen Crossney, Ph.D
Committee Member
Angela Kline, Ph.D
Committee Member
Ramona Stone, Ph.D, MPH
Abstract
This study evaluates the Penn Medicine Family Medicine Clerkship program through a mixed-methods approach, exploring the challenges and factors influencing the satisfaction of medical professional preceptors when precepting students. A quantitative survey with 54 preceptor participants reveals the top challenges preceptors face: workload, conflicts with patient care, and limited clinical space. Despite this, there is strong support for the program, with 89% of preceptors enjoying the role and 85% expressing willingness to continue to precept for the next three years. Finally, data analysis shows no statistical correlation between preceptor motivation with gender, ethnicity, age group, years of serving, or total work hours.
The qualitative study’s interviews with ten preceptors highlight critical challenges in balancing teaching with patient care. Key issues include workload, time management, and limited clinical space, which impact both teaching quality and patient outcomes. These findings are consistent with the qualitative study. Furthermore, proactive students enhance preceptor satisfaction and learning efficiency, underscoring the need for clear program guidelines to foster positive learning behaviors. Recommendations include allocating dedicated teaching time, improving resources and clinical spaces, offering workshops to enhance teaching skills and reduce stress, and enhancing public service motivation. It is recommended to implement significant changes by creating structured preceptor programs that are more efficient and appealing to preceptors, while also advocating for public policies that encourage the participation of additional preceptors and clinical sites. These measures aim to improve outcomes for preceptors, students, patients, and clinical administrators, ensuring a robust medical education system that effectively prepares future physicians.
Recommended Citation
Ko, Cornelia, "Understanding the Challenges and Satisfaction Among the Medical Professional Preceptors" (2025). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 282.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/282
Included in
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Higher Education Commons, Human Resources Management Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Commons, Nonprofit Administration and Management Commons, Other Education Commons, Other Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Public Administration Commons, Statistical Methodology Commons, Strategic Management Policy Commons