Optimizing Student Success: Leaders' Perspectives on Advising Practices in Graduate Health Professions Education Programs

PhenomenonEffective graduate advising is crucial for student success but remains an understudied area, particularly in Health Professions Education (HPE). While the importance of advising is widely recognized, faculty often lack adequate preparation and face competing demands. Current research on advising primarily focuses on other disciplines, neglecting the unique challenges of HPE programs. This study aims to address this gap by exploring leaders perspectives on advising practices that optimize student success in HPE graduate programs. ApproachA qualitative interview study using narrative inquiry was conducted to explore leaders perspectives on advising practices in graduate HPE programs globally. Purposive sampling was used to recruit program leaders across six World Health Organization regions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using narrative inquiry and developmental advising theory as a framework. FindingsFifteen HPE program leaders described advising practices focused on academic advancement, personal advancement, and community building. Leaders emphasized the importance of clear communication, goal setting, and student support. While advisors valued building strong relationships with students, challenges arose from balancing professional and personal roles. Findings suggest that a developmental advising approach, incorporating academic, personal, and community-building elements, can enhance student success in HPE graduate programs. InsightsThis study underscores the critical role of advisors in graduate HPE programs, revealing that effective advising involves both academic guidance and substantial emotional support. It highlights a gap in the existing literature and advocates for the expansion of developmental advising that addresses not only administrative tasks but also the broader developmental needs of students, such as career advancement and personal growth. The findings suggest that to enhance advising practices, graduate HPE programs should invest in ongoing professional development for advisors, adopt holistic advising models, and allocate resources to support students integration into professional communities, thereby preparing them more fully for their future careers.