Description of a Research-Based Health Activism Curriculum for Medical Students

Authors: Cha, Stephen S.; Ross, Joseph S.; Lurie, Peter¹; Sacajiu, Galit²

Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine, Volume 21, Number 12, December 2006 , pp. 1325-1328(4)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION:

Few curricula train medical students to engage in health system reform. AIM:

To develop physician activists by teaching medical students the skills necessary to advocate for socially equitable health policies in the U.S. health system. SETTING:

Montefiore Medical Center, the University Hospital of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

We designed a 1-month curriculum in research-based health activism to develop physician activists. The annual curriculum includes a student project and 4 course sections; health policy, research methods, advocacy, and physician activists as role models; taught by core faculty and volunteers from academic institutions, government, and nongovernmental organizations. PROGRAM EVALUATION:

From 2002 to 2005, 47 students from across the country have participated. Students reported improved capabilities to generate a research question, design a research proposal, and create an advocacy plan. DISCUSSION:

Our curriculum demonstrates a model for training physician activists to engage in health systems reform.

Keywords: medical education; professionalism; health care reform; curriculum evaluation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00608.x

Affiliations: 1: Public Citizen's Health Research Group, Washington, DC, USA 2: Department of Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA

Publication date: 2006-12-01

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