Social service in medicine and primary level medical attention: from choice to practice.

Author: Elda Montero Mendoza y Marcelina Cruz Sánchez
Abstract: A study was conducted in Tabasco, Mexico, in order to explore the reasons why medical students choose to undergo their social service at the primary care level, as well as to learn about their experiences in the field. The study was applied to 140 students who fulfilled their social service requirement in 2012-2013. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed. Participants in the study said
that social service in primary care was an important part of their professional formation. However, they expressed dissatisfaction with the administrative duties they were assigned by the sponsoring medical institutions. The findings suggest the need to improve coordination between society, universities and healthcare institutions, in order to fulfill
the social welfare and academic goals of social service programs.