Objective/ Background: The concept of OBGYN Medical Student Chiefs at our institution emerges as a catalyst for enhancing the quality of medical education, fostering leadership, and confronting multifaceted challenges of women’s health disparities and inequity. With a strategic focus on professional development, education, mentorship, and leadership, this paves the way for a seamless transition to residency. At the heart of this initiative lies the empowerment of senior medical students, representing the cornerstone in cultivating effective leadership, fostering diversity and inclusion, and spearheading the efforts to overcome systemic barriers in women\'s health.
Methods: To guide the creation of the chief position, a comprehensive literature review was conducted encompassing fourth year medical curriculum, transition to residency recommendations, public health principles, and current practices. It incorporates findings from articles, courses, and programs related to OBGYN-specific and general transition to residency. Competencies and leadership aspects are explored, providing a holistic view of the transition process.Findings of this literature review were discussed and modified in 3 separate sessions with current OBGYN clerkship leadership as well and UNC Gillings MPH Leadership concentration coordinator.
Results: The results are ongoing through the literature review we identified key competencies to target within the creation of the Obgyn medical student chief position. This information helped us to establish an early foundation for a one-year role comprising three fourth-year medical students. The position focuses on key areas such as assistance in OBGYN clerkship, curriculum development and review, integration of public health principles, and the creation of educational materials. The primary objective is to foster Leadership and professional development among the appointed medical students, equipping them with essential skills for a seamless transition to residency. Early qualitative comments on clerkship evaluations indicate a positive clerkship student response to the chief presence with comments such as “ Their review session was so helpful for our NBME” and “ It was really helpful to talk to a chief and debrief my first poor patient outcome”. At the completion of their chief role, a feedback session will be passed down from the outgoing student chiefs to current chief class.
Conclusion/ Discussion: By concentrating on professional development, education, mentorship, and leadership, this initiative aims to empower senior medical students who serve as pivotal figures in cultivating effective leadership, fostering diversity and inclusion, and addressing systemic barriers in women\'s health. The identified competencies and leadership aspects form the foundation for the newly created position. The ongoing implementation and evaluation of this initiative will contribute valuable insights into its effectiveness in enhancing medical education quality and facilitating a seamless transition to residency.
Topics: Faculty Development Seminar, 2024, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, UME, Team-Based Learning, Public Health, Advocacy,
Brittany Cureton, MPH; Sophia Mcfarlane, MPH; Amy Bryant, MD
