Opportunities Across Medical Education
Enrollment of residents and fellows with specialized tracks has been
emphasized recently. Expansion of the Augustine program to include up to
seven students annually would provide the resources to include
additional physician trainees. Our institution has also explored the
development of a multi-week elective medical clerkship to take place
during the third or fourth year of medical school. The clerkship would
focus on the medical device innovation process with the goal of
educating medical students that may not be able to participate in the
Augustine program. Studies on the outcomes of joint engineering-medical
school and innovation programs will need to be conducted to assess the
relative strengths and weaknesses of various education models.
Write large, medical education must continue to prioritize innovation
and transdisciplinary experiences in line with positions from national
organizations. Our experience has demonstrated that there may not be a
one-size-fits-all approach. Medical programs should consider the
implementation of a spectrum of innovation opportunities from
longitudinal seminars and clerkships to year-long immersive experiences
consistent with the Augustine program. Maximizing benefit from
innovation programs would likely correspond with empowering physician
trainees to pursue opportunities that align with career goals.
Otherwise, medical education risks overlooking individuals that may have
interests in innovation.