Project Description Narrative:
Physicians are needed in leadership roles to improve systems of care and advocate policies that improve the health of both individuals and communities. Yet many graduating medical students report inadequate preparation in key areas, such as public health and community medicine, health systems, and health issues for underserved populations. This project team will develop an explicit, coordinated longitudinal curriculum in Population Health and Health Policy that spans the four years of medical school, builds upon existing strengths of the MCW curriculum, its faculty and community partnerships, and prepares future physicians to protect and promote health for all and reduce health disparities.
The team will conduct a systematic assessment of needs and assets, informed by the literature, national best practices, input from key stakeholders and detailed evaluation of the current MCW curriculum in population health and policy competencies. Longitudinal learning objectives will be developed with input from a multidisciplinary advisory board of experts from MCW, public health and local health systems. A curriculum retreat will be held to identify opportunities for vertical and horizontal integration of these objectives across the four-year curriculum and to build consensus for selection of a unifying conceptual model.
Building upon existing formal and informal curriculum, the project team we will select and implement effective, innovative instructional methods, emphasizing hands-on, community-based educational experiences, interactive formats for discussion and reflection, and use of technology for factual content. A comprehensive evaluation plan will include process, product, and impact measures, including an innovative longitudinal student assessment strategy to provide on-going and cumulative feedback to students and educators on mastery of these competencies, community engagement, and professional attitudes.