Ebtesam Islam, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Gurvinder Kaur, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Sonya Sherrod, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Valerie Collins, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Purpose
Transitions from preclinical to clinical training are high-stakes periods for medical students, especially within distributed campuses. Despite the prevalence of such transitions, limited research exists on structured interventions that ease this process across multi-campus institutions. We developed and implemented a two-day bootcamp designed to support students transitioning from a single preclinical campus to four separate clinical campuses.
Methods
The bootcamp was held at each of the four sites and led by local faculty and senior student preceptors. The first year included six clinical skill stations, and the second year expanded to ten. Sessions were tailored to each site’s specific needs while maintaining core objectives. Students completed pre- and post-bootcamp surveys measuring their confidence for each station and their overall preparedness to begin clerkships. Additionally, faculty and clerkship directors provided feedback on student performance during the initial clerkship period following the intervention.
Results
A total of 390 students participated over two years, with survey response rates exceeding 93%. Student-reported confidence increased significantly across all stations. After completing the bootcamp, 99% or more of students felt more prepared to start clerkships. Faculty reported improved readiness and smoother transitions into clinical teams compared to prior cohorts. Students and preceptors both highlighted the value of site-specific preparation and early engagement with clinical faculty.
Conclusions
A brief, structured intervention at the point of transition can markedly improve student confidence and performance in clinical settings. The multi-campus bootcamp model demonstrates that even short-term programs can yield measurable benefits when adapted to institutional and site-specific contexts. This strategy offers a scalable solution for other distributed medical education programs seeking to facilitate campus transitions.