Exploring the Role of Social Capital in Academic Success Among Medical Students

Abstract

Background: This project explored the role of social capital in academic and professional success in medicine.

Methods:  The project was executed in four stages:

·         Education: Educational slides explaining social capital were created and disseminated. These included a QR code linking to a survey.

·         Data Collection: A survey, accessible via the QR code, asked students about their social capital.

·         Workshops: We held a workshop were held to discuss survey data. Students were invited to explore themes and propose strategies for improvement in a collaborative setting.

·         Analysis and Implementation: Now we are analysing the data and workshop outcomes, identifying quick-fix improvements and long-term strategies. Practical strategies, like mentorship programs involving Trust clinicians, were proposed to enhance social capital for underrepresented groups.

Results: The survey and workshops identified key themes such as the importance of role students supporting each other and the medical school running networking events. More research to hopefully be done and findings to be shared with the wider faculty and at conferences, with plans for future research and maybe publication

Conclusions: Social capital significantly impacts academic success. More research to be done.