Open AccessDescription of a Research‐Based Health Activism Curriculum for Medical Students
Author(s) -
Cha Stephen S.,
Ross Joseph S.,
Lurie Peter,
Sacajiu Galit
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00608.x
Subject(s) - curriculum , medicine , medical education , government (linguistics) , sociology , pedagogy , linguistics , philosophy
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.