Integrating Longitudinal Themes Throughout the Educational Curriculum

Piloting an approach to increasing linkages between basic and clinical science in medical education at the Medical College of Wisconsin

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Full Project Name:A Collaborative Approach to Integrating Longitudinal Themes Throughout the Educational CurriculumPrincipal Investigator:Kathryn Denson, MD, MedicineAward Amount:$131,184

Award Date

July2007

Project Duration:36 months

Project Description Narrative:

Longitudinal integration of vital health topics in the medical school curriculum is essential, but challenging. Basic and clinical science educators struggle to incorporate curricula that emphasize basic science foundations and key applications of clinical medicine. In addition, incorporating teaching of specialty topics unlinked to a specific department presents an additional challenge as there is no particular "home" for educational content. Through this award, the Medical College of Wisconsin will pilot an approach to creating a longitudinal thread, using geriatrics, to increase linkages between basic and clinical sciences in medical education.

Collaborators:
Diane Brown, Educational Services; Ann Helms, MD, Neurology; Arthur Derse, MD, JD, Center for Bioethics; Joseph Layde, MD, JD, Psychiatry; Michael Lund, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Linda Meurer, MD, MPH, Family Medicine; Jay Neitz, PhD, Ophthalmology; Richard Sabina, PhD, Biochemistry

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Established network of faculty collaborators, creating effective committee and workgroups to conduct project work and evaluation
Conducted needs assessment of course directors to identify opportunities for improvement
Created, piloted, and implemented new educational materials and learning sessions within existing courses, including online and clinical modules
Created and implemented new curriculum innovations, including a Master Clinician Pathway, Clinician Educator Pathway, and Senior Mentor Program
Mapped current curriculum content to 26 geriatric competency domains for graduating medical students
Conducted evaluation of pilot, documenting increased knowledge and understanding of geriatric medicine throughout integrated disciplines
Disseminated project results through numerous workshops, presentations, abstracts, posters, and publications