Purpose: Evaluate the OBGYN-clerkship student experience with TAs and the TA experience.
Background: Amidst the chaos of the COVID pandemic, clerkships were forced to find innovative ways to support students. We piloted, then continued, a near-peer mentor Teaching Assistant(TA) program. TAs helped facilitate didactic sessions and worked closely to support students in navigating both the process and the content of the clerkship.
Methods: Retrospective cohort study of TAs(2019-2022) and medical students(2020-22), after IRB-approval. An anonymous survey was developed by subject matter experts, vetted for clarity by education team, and sent to TAs annually, inquiring about TA experiences and perception of student experiences. Student feedback on the TAs also qualitatively analyzed. Simple statistics used to analyze data.
Results: Feedback from 17(100%) TAs and 90(43%) students
included in analysis. From the TA perspective, 100% of TAs rated the experience
positively, describing it as improving their knowledge(100%), teaching
skills(87%), organization(73%), and facilitation skills(87%). 80% felt
more confident going into their sub-internship, and for 86% it solidified
desire to pursue OBGYN. Nearly all(93%) would recommend being a TA to another
medical student.
Students overwhelmingly appreciated having TAs, with 100% of comments being
positive in nature. Common themes included TAs being: generally
great([n=60]66%), helpful([n=30]33%), engaged/responsive([n=25]28%), and
enhancing student learning([n=22]24%).
Discussions: The addition of near-peer TAs to an OB/GYN clerkship was regarded as very positive by students, TAs, and clerkship leadership. During high stress times, programs such as this further support our learners.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2023, Student, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Medical Knowledge, Professionalism, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, UME, Problem-Based Learning, General Ob-Gyn,
Elizabeth Howell, MD; Duke University Medical Center; Mary Katherine Montes De Oca, MD; Cescille Gesher, BS; Jennifer Howell, MD; Matthew Barber, MD; Sarah Dotters-Katz, MD, MMHPE
