Dennis, Brady Allen (2017-02). Is Transfer Shock a Treatable Condition for Underrepresented in Medicine Students Transferring to a Predominantly White Institution, with a Goal of Medical School Admission?. Doctoral Dissertation.
Thesis
This dissertation examined the experiences of underrepresented-in-medicine transfer students studying in a Division I, research university in the South that is considered to be a predominantly White institution (PWI). These underrepresented-in-medicine transfer students were admitted to State University (SU) with the intent of completing the required prerequisite course work for admission to medical school. This qualitative case study delved into the personal experiences and recommendations of these students to determine what support systems are needed to alleviate if not eliminate the effects of transfer shock. Existing literature has demonstrated that there is an increasing shortage of practicing physicians that could be classified as underrepresented-in-medicine. This shortage is ultimately a result of a shortage of underrepresented-in-medicine students admitted to medical schools, which is a direct result of attrition at the undergraduate level. Due to the fact that many prospective underrepresented-in-medicine students begin their higher education at the community college level, this case study focused on this specific group of students that had transferred to SU with the goal of admission to medical school and their personal experiences. To understand the needs and experiences of these students, four African American and three Hispanic transfer students, across varying majors at SU were interviewed to examine their experiences and recommendations as they transitioned into and through their premedical track. This study utilized a case study analysis and data collected through three interviews each, which were structured using Schlossberg's Transition Theory of moving in, moving through and moving out. Throughout the interview process and subsequent analysis of their responses similar themes arose that led to the findings and recommendations of this case study. Some of these common themes included: experiencing transfer shock, concerns of funding their current and future education, sources of emotional and social support and cultural differences.
