This focus session addresses the critical generational shifts within health professions education, presenting challenges in aligning the values, expectations, and learning preferences of students and faculty. Compounded by rapid technological advancements, these shifts can lead to disengagement, misunderstandings, and a potential breakdown in the transmission of essential knowledge and professional values. The session emphasizes the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure the continued effectiveness of educational programs and the preparedness of future healthcare professionals.

The session is structured to promote active engagement and practical application of strategies. It begins with an overview of generational challenges and the role of technology in either supporting or hindering the integration of generations in educational settings. Participants will then engage in small group discussions to identify and share the generational dynamics they have observed within their institutions.

Following a brief break, the session will delve into strategies for bridging generational divides, focusing on mentorship, active apprenticeship, and communities of practice (CoPs). Participants will work in groups to brainstorm examples of how these strategies can be implemented in their contexts. The session culminates with a crossover discussion where participants formulate comprehensive plans incorporating these strategies, with built-in criteria for evaluating effectiveness.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify key generational shifts, analyze the role of technology, and formulate actionable plans that integrate mentorship, apprenticeship, and CoPs to enhance educational outcomes in their institutions. This session ultimately aims to build a more resilient and integrated educational community that effectively harnesses the strengths of both seasoned professionals and younger generations.

Agenda & Methods

1. Introduction and overview (10 minutes)
   • Presenters will outline the key generational challenges and potential impacts if these shifts are left unaddressed. This section includes a facilitated discussion using audience engagement tools on the role of technology in the integration of generations.
2. Identification of generational dynamics (15 minutes)
   • Breakout group discussion - 10 minutes
   • Participants will be divided into small groups of 4-5 to identify generational challenges they have observed in their institutions and state briefly the impact of these challenges. A guiding question sheet will be provided with several areas to prompt discussion.
   • Sharing - 5 minutes
   • Each group will select a representative to share key discussion points with the larger group.
3. Break (5 minutes)
4. Strategies for integrating generations (25 minutes)
   • Introducing the overarching strategies - 5 minutes
   • Presenters will provide an overview of three strategies—mentorship, active apprenticeship, and communities of practice—highlighting the objectives and practical examples for each strategy.
   • Breakout group discussion - 20 minutes
   • Groups will reconvene to select and explore one strategy, brainstorming examples of implementation to address the generational challenges identified earlier.
5. Formulating a plan (30 minutes)
   • Crossover group discussion - 20 minutes
   • Participants will form new groups, ensuring representation from each strategy, to formulate a plan incorporating mentorship, apprenticeship, and CoPs to be applied to their educational context. The plan should include a brief description of criteria for evaluating effectiveness.
   • Sharing - 10 minutes
   • Groups will present key points of their plans to the larger group.
6. Closing (5 minutes)
   • Presenters will summarize key takeaways and encourage continued discussion on implementing strategies in participants’ own institutions.