Presented By: Melissa Armas, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Co-Authors: Anita Laloo, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Samiksha Prasad, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine

Purpose 
Physicians play a significant role in the field of public health. This course aims to introduce medical students to the current landscape of public health and the role of informatics with respect to physicians and community health while providing them with the tools necessary to integrate scientific research into these fields. 

Methods
This non-clinical-dual track elective consisted of the theoretical track (2 weeks) and the applied manuscript track (4 weeks) designed for medical students in their 4th year of their Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. The theoretical track consisted of twelve contact hours out of which six were didactic and six involved active learning modalities. The manuscript track consisted of an additional six individual student-mentor meetings. The elective was delivered for the 2023 term and will continue to be offered for upcoming academic years. 

Results 
During the first iteration of the course, 83% of the enrolled students participated in the theoretical track and 17% in the applied manuscript track (n=6). Preliminary evaluation data suggested the elective was well received with a mean total of 43.50/45.00 points (97%) for the overall course evaluations. The qualitative data bolstered the overall rating of the course with comments such as, "I learned a lot of useful information and skills from the course" and "The course packed a lot of useful information for anyone who wants to empower the less fortunate." 

Conclusions
A dual-track non-clinical elective course delivered through workshops, mentorship, and research experience provides students with flexibility and pertinent mentorship opportunities to apply their knowledge to translational research. The use of active learning strategies helped foster learner engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability. More efforts to increase innovation and institutional support are needed to disseminate the applied manuscript track scholarly work with the academic medicine scientific community.