Table 1 Themes and coded concepts within themes

Overall experience

Surprise, adjustment, relevance, institutional support, language, student voice

The liberal arts experience encompassed a unique approach to class content, pedagogy, and culture

Liberal arts, critical thinking, tackle root causes of disease, teaching style, classroom culture, campus culture, writing/presentation skills, computer skills

It widened student perspectives

Broader perspective, eye-opening, gender

It strengthened peer relations and teamwork skills

Interpersonal and intergroup relationships, teamwork, collaboration, mental health

Students believed it improved their

clinical capability

Connections to clinical work; community engaged learning, advocacy