Cynthia Kay, MD, MS; Leslie Ruffalo, PhD, MS; Marika I. Wrzosek, MD; Carley Sauter, MD; Ashley Pavlic, MD, MA; Mary Ann Gilligan, MD, MPH; Kathleen Beckmann, MD; Svetlana Melamed, MD
WMJ. 2025;124(2):123-128
ABSTRACT
Introduction: In the traditional 4-year medical school model, the final 2 years are the clinical years. These years bear challenges and experiences distinct from the preclinical part of medical school.
Methods: We implemented a longitudinal, multifaceted, 2-year course involving advising, Objective Structured Clinical Examination, and discussions to help students at a private, Midwestern medical school navigate the clinical years, ensure graduation competencies are met, and prepare for residency. Participants were third- and fourth-year medical students from 2013 to 2022. The course, titled “Continuous Professional Development,” was run by a core group of faculty representing a variety of specialties.
Results: At the end of each academic year, students completed evaluations on the components of the course and the course as a whole. Feedback was generally positive, with students rating the one-on-one advising and short sessions related to clerkship and residency transitions particularly beneficial.
Conclusions: Students value educational content specifically tailored to their clinical experience. While having a single course responsible for multiple programs and sessions appears to be uncommon for undergraduate medical education, our course shows that it is possible and can be done effectively with a relatively small cohort of faculty.