University of Wisconsin–Madison Medical College of Wisconsin

Student Leadership Development Initiative: Benefits of a Unique Medical Student Organization

Allison R. Linehan, MD; Alexander R. Chartier, MD; Yizeng He, BA; Michael Sobin, MD; William J. Hueston, MD; John R. Meurer, MD, MBA

WMJ. 2021;120(3):230-232.

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ABSTRACT

Background: The Student Leadership Development Initiative was founded at the Medical College of Wisconsin to unite local physician leaders with Medical College of Wisconsin students to develop leadership skills and prepare for careers expanding beyond clinical practice.

Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed to 246 current and past Student Leadership Development Initiative participants, probing confidence in leadership skills, professional goals, and the perceived importance of leadership training. Feedback interviews were also conducted.

Results: Respondents reported improvement in areas such as compassion, leadership, and development of career goals. The perceived benefit for developing professional goals and compassion are positively related (P < 0.01) to the number of sessions attended.

Discussion: Survey results highlight the importance of leadership training in medical education and suggest an integration strategy for a successful leadership training platform.


Author Affiliations: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Linehan, Chartier, He, Sobin, Hueston, Meurer).
Corresponding Author: Allison R. Linehan, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; phone 414.955.1000; email alinehan@mcw.edu.
Acknowledgements: This study was supported by the Medical College of Wisconsin Institute for Health and Equity where Dr Meurer serves as director and Ms He is a biostatistician. At the time this paper was written, Drs Meurer and Hueston codirected the MCW Health System Management and Policy pathway in which Dr Linehan and Dr Chartier were enrolled.
Funding/Support: None declared.
Financial Disclosures: None declared.
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