Endocrine Elective Primer for Medical Students

Background: Endocrine modules available online have shown improvement in student learning and increased student satisfaction with self-guided learning (Kirk, 2016). However, most available modules are geared towards preclinical medical students rather than clinical students. Therefore, we developed an endocrine primer, defined as a set of introductory preparatory material, in the form of a PowerPoint. The primer reviews commonly seen endocrine disorders in adults, including their presentation, diagnosis, and management, in order to offer students access to self-paced learning and help bridge the gap between the basic science curriculum and clinical experience. Methods: Third and fourth year medical students enrolled in the endocrine elective from Feb 2020-Oct 2020 completed a 15 question pre-and post-knowledge assessment, as well as an endocrine primer satisfaction survey. The knowledge assessments evaluated students’ knowledge of topics surrounding type 1 and 2 diabetes, hyper- and hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, adrenal and pituitary disease, hyperparathyroidism, and osteoporosis. The pre-knowledge assessment was completed prior to starting the endocrine elective and viewing the endocrine primer. The post-knowledge assessment was completed at the end of the two or four week endocrine elective. Results: A paired-T test was used to compare the pre- and post-knowledge survey results. A total of 7 third- and fourth-year medical students completed the knowledge assessment and satisfaction survey. Knowledge results showed a nonsignificant mean improvement of 1.4 points, p=0.09, from the start of the elective to completion, with a decreased variability between student scores. Student satisfaction was high, with 100% of students who completed the primer agreeing it made them more prepared for the endocrine elective and all students recommending other electives create similar primers as well. Conclusion: The endocrine primer standardized students’ endocrinology knowledge and enhanced satisfaction with the endocrinology elective. This self-paced learning opportunity was well received by medical students and should be included in other clinical electives. This pilot study will be expanded to a larger sample size and incorporate internal medicine residents on the endocrinology elective. We also plan to review faculty satisfaction before and after the primer was initiated.