Innovative programming hits the mark

Three MD communities offer outside-the-box education, taking care of students so they can take care of future patients.

Sasha Roeder Mah - 27 May 2020

The MD program in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is on a mission to attract applicants who reflect multiple areas of excellence and interest, says associate dean Tracey Hillier, MD,'16 MEd, stretching its programming far beyond traditional approaches. "We believe flexibility in our programming accommodates learners who are exploring career possibilities," she explains, adding that recent curricular innovations have provided the time and space necessary for students to engage in the kinds of self-directed learning that support that exploration.

The MD communities-research, social justice, and now arts and humanities-are perfect examples of this type of innovative programming, encouraging the kinds of active learning and authentic experiences that bring fulfilment to learners and help prepare them for the diverse needs of the communities they will eventually serve.

Growth and change

The communities of learning are available for students to access as they wish, whether dipping in for core-curriculum enhancements such as an elective or two, attending the occasional seminar, or committing to a four-year trajectory. For those who do want the full immersion, there's formal acknowledgement of that commitment upon graduation.

First-year MD student Mikayla Gray was drawn to the social justice community, which facilitates placements with preceptors in traditionally underserved areas such as the inner city and remote rural communities. Gray says working at the Boyle McCauley Health Centre and being part of the learning community have helped her better understand her own privilege and the societal inequities behind issues such as domestic violence, addiction and homelessness.

Meanwhile, in the research community, a solid MD/PhD cohort is now in place in the first-year class. "We're fortunate that the faculty sees the importance of allowing us to immerse ourselves in both clinical and research training simultaneously," says Andrew Woodman, an MD/PhD student and Vanier Scholar who joined the research learning community last fall.

New kids on the block

A small cohort entered the pilot of the arts and humanities community of learning this winter, says Pamela Brett-MacLean, PhD, director of Arts & Humanities in Health & Medicine (AHHM).

Second-year MD student and class AHHM representative Jenny Li worked with Brett-MacLean during a summer student curriculum project last year to forge the beginnings of this community. Li researched similar programs at other schools and determined how to incorporate the best aspects of those programs here.

"We wanted to make sure the community is not overwhelming or difficult for students who are already very busy," says Li, "but also provide opportunities to put in a significant amount of effort, explore and shape their own experience into something meaningful." "We're also now talking about possible future streams," adds Tracey Hillier, including a leadership community, on the horizon for fall.

Meeting student needs

Beyond the appeal of flexible learning opportunities, says Hillier, "our hope is that the sense of belonging and purpose that comes from being in a community will help with learners' well-being."

"It's really important for our students to be well, and as doctors we're also going to have the best patient outcomes if we start off with healthy students."