713 - Volunteering with Purpose: Perceptions of Medical Students Involvement in an Inpatient Reading Program

Publication Number: 2696.713

Abby Birk, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States; Kelly A. Lyons, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Norton Children's Hospital, Louisville, KY, United States; Allison Black, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States

Background: Medical students who volunteer with pediatric patients often report improved comfort working with children and families, as well as enhanced empathy, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Heart of a Bookworm (HOAB) is an innovative program at our tertiary children's hospital where medical student volunteers read to hospitalized patients with prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease (CHD), aiming to promote early literacy and provide psychosocial support for patients and families.

Objective: To explore medical students' perceptions of their volunteer experiences with HOAB and its potential influence on interest in pediatrics.

Design/Methods: This mixed-methods study evaluated medical students volunteering with HOAB from January 2022-August 2025. Participants completed a survey assessing demographics, pre- and post-participation interest in pediatrics, and the impact of HOAB on career goals and comfort with pediatric patients. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, with non-parametric tests for related measures. Qualitative data underwent inductive thematic analysis by three independent coders. Coders met for a series of iterative conversations led by individuals experienced in qualitative analysis, during which codes, categories and themes were refined into a final list. Attention was paid to investigator reflexivity during the coding process.

Results: 57 students met inclusion criteria with a response rate of 35% (20/57). Respondents included first- (5%), second- (50%), third- (20%), and fourth-year (25%) students. Most students (15, 75%) reported an interest in Pediatrics before volunteering. 13 (65%) reported volunteering with HOAB impacted their future medical or residency plans. All participants agreed (45%) or strongly agreed (55%) HOAB improved their comfort working with pediatric populations. Thematic analysis identified key themes: love for kids, perceived impact on patients and families, perceived impact on the student, uniqueness of the program, and benefits of volunteering. Reported challenges included initial awkwardness, navigating staff interactions, and developing social awareness.

Conclusion(s): Our study suggests medical students have gained or maintained interest in pediatrics and improved comfortability with pediatric populations through volunteering with HOAB. Enhancing medical student experiences in pediatrics and expanding programs like HOAB may be an effective strategy to cultivate the next generation of pediatricians and strengthen the future pediatric workforce while promoting early literacy and holistic care for children with complex medical needs.

Table 1: Quantitative Responses


Table 2: Thematic Analysis of Student Perceived Experience