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Chapman HJ, Veras-Estévez BA. Empowering medical students through collaborative writing sessions. CLINICAL TEACHER 2024; 21:e13687. [PMID: 37957804 DOI: 10.1111/tct.13687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scientific writing and critical appraisal of the literature are fundamental skills for future physicians. However, these skills have been inconsistently prioritised across medical curricula, leaving medical trainees to seek these skills through continuing education courses. APPROACH We conducted a series of complementary collaborative writing sessions (introductory workshop with 3-month practical sessions) with direct supervision to medical trainees (medical students and recent medical graduates) in the Dominican Republic between 2017 and 2020. We also examined medical trainees' perceptions of these collaborative writing sessions, as a mechanism to advance technical writing and critical analysis skills for their professional training and personal growth. EVALUATION Participants described the perceived enabling factors of the collaborative writing sessions that led to their publications as: (1) detailed agenda; (2) direct mentorship; (3) effective teamwork; (4) personal investment and dedication; and (5) future vision. IMPLICATIONS These collaborative writing sessions, consisting of a viable agenda and timeline, direct mentorship with timely feedback, and team dynamics, are recognised as an innovative model for medical trainees in the Dominican Republic. This academic model and approach can be adapted to meet the specific needs of health professional students across the globe. By mastering these fundamental written communication skills, medical trainees can contribute to research and policy development, lead health education initiatives, advocate for best clinical practices in patient care, and mentor the next generation of trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena J Chapman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bienvenido A Veras-Estévez
- Facultad de Ciencias en la Salud, Universidad Católica del Cibao (UCATECI), La Vega, Dominican Republic
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Hospital Regional Universitario José María Cabral y Báez, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
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Vogt M, Schuchardt N, Geissler ME, Bereuter JP, Geissler RB, Glauche I, Gerdes S, Deußen A, Günther L. Scientific competence during medical education - insights from a cross-sectional study at a German Medical School. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:590. [PMID: 38807084 PMCID: PMC11134709 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05470-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases is constantly evolving. To effectively incorporate these findings into professional practice, it is crucial that scientific competencies are a central component of medical education. This study seeks to analyse the current state of scientific education and students' desires for integration into the curriculum. METHODS From October to December 2022, a survey was distributed at the Medical Faculty Dresden to all medical students from the 1st to 5th academic year (AY). The survey investigates current expectations of applying scientific competencies later in professional life, and the students were asked to self-assess various scientific skills and in relation to the National Competence Based Catalogue of Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Medical Education. The self-assessments were objectified through a competence test with ten multiple-choice questions. The desire for curricular teaching was inquired. RESULTS 860 students completed the survey. This corresponds to a response rate of 64%. In the 5th AY, approximately 80% of the participants stated that they expected to work with scientific literature on a daily to monthly basis in future professional life and to communicate corresponding scientific findings to patients. Only 30-40% of the 5th AY rate their scientific competencies as sufficient to do this appropriately. This corresponds with the self-assessed competencies that only slightly increased over the 5 AYs from 14.1 ± 11.7 to 21.3 ± 13.8 points (max. 52) and is also reflected in the competence test (1st AY 3.6 ± 1.75 vs. 5th AY 5.5 ± 1.68, max. 10 points). Half of the students in the 4th and 5th AYs were dissatisfied with the current teaching of scientific skills. The majority preferred the implementation of a science curriculum (56%), preferably as seminars dealing with topics such as literature research, analysis, and science communication. CONCLUSIONS The results show discrepancies between expectations of using scientific knowledge in everyday professional life, self-rated and objectively recorded competencies, and the current state of curricular teaching of scientific competencies. There is a strong need for adequate practical training, particularly in critical analyses of scientific literature, which enables the communication of scientific knowledge to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Vogt
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nadja Schuchardt
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mark Enrik Geissler
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jean-Paul Bereuter
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rona Berit Geissler
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ingmar Glauche
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Gerdes
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Deußen
- Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lydia Günther
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Walker E, Nguyen DT, Brockway A, Russi K, Ellis S, Declan A, Garimella S, Chosed RJ. SOARinG to New Heights Through a Structured Medical Student Research Program. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2023; 14:827-836. [PMID: 37554379 PMCID: PMC10404592 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s406717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 became Pass/Fall in 2022, medical students competing for residency spots must distinguish themselves with alternative criteria. Research experiences and output offer valuable skill development and objective metrics to support competitive residency applications. OBJECTIVE We describe the methodological development of a structured program to support, enhance, and track medical student research efforts at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, explain the implementation of the program, and summarize initial program outcomes. METHODS The Student Opportunities for Academic Achievement Through Research in Greenville (SOARinG) Program was established to serve as a centralized hub for rising second year medical student research. The program matched medical students with mentored research projects scheduled during the summer following first-year coursework. The program included a required weekly seminar series on research basics and current biomedical literature. SOARinG culminated with a student research symposium for which students submitted abstracts and presented a poster or a talk. Quantitative and qualitative program outcomes of student and mentor satisfaction with the program were measured through surveys. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The program was successfully implemented in summers 2021 and 2022. Most students (80-95%) in each class engaged in mentored summer research projects. Students reported overall satisfaction with research projects and mentor support. Overall, 69% of students rated their overall research experience in the program as extremely good or very good. Each student submitted an abstract and presented at the program's symposium or alternate research venue. Overall, 97% of research mentors reported that students were adequately prepared for summer research and suggested that students would benefit from additional skills-specific research training. CONCLUSION The SOARinG Program provided a formalized process for tracking and showcasing medical student research and allowed for increased student participation in research. Additionally, each participating student produced objective research output, thus enhancing future residency applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Walker
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Dieu Thao Nguyen
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Adam Brockway
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Kyle Russi
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Shannon Ellis
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Arwen Declan
- Prisma Health, Department of Emergency Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Sudha Garimella
- Prisma Health, Department of Pediatrics, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Renee J Chosed
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Greenville, SC, USA
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Lee HJ, Kang YJ, Lee SH, Lin Y, Kim DH, Ihm J. Relationship matters: a qualitative study of medical students' experiences in a learner-driven research program in South Korea. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:337. [PMID: 37194093 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04337-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although research experience is important for medical students, it is difficult to develop research skills only through a formal curriculum. To develop research programs that address the authentic needs of students and align with the entirety of the medical school curriculum, a learner-centered approach may be more effective than an instructor-centered approach. This study investigates medical student perspectives on factors that help them develop research competency. METHODS Hanyang University College of Medicine in South Korea operates the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) as a supplement to its formal curriculum. Semi-structured interviews were held with 18 students (20 cases) in the program, and qualitative content analysis was performed using the software tool MAXQDA20. RESULTS The findings are discussed in relation to three domains: learner engagement, instructional design, and program development. The students were more engaged when they perceived the program as a new experience, had prior research experience, wanted to make a good impression, and felt a sense of contribution. In terms of instructional design, they positively participated in research when their supervisors respected them, set clear tasks, provided constructive feedback, and invited them into the research community. In particular, the students highly valued relationships with their professors, and these relationships served not only as a main motivating factor in their research participation but also affected their college lives and careers. CONCLUSIONS The longitudinal relationship between students and professors has newly emerged in the Korean context as a factor that strengthens student engagement in research and the complementary relationship between formal curriculum and MSTP was highlighted to encourage student engagement in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Jeong Lee
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seongdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Ji Kang
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seongdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hee Lee
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yanyan Lin
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seongdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hwan Kim
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seongdong-Gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungjoon Ihm
- Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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