This session explores the evolving generational dynamics in health professions education, with a focus on integrating Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha into current educational paradigms. As Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials continue to lead educational efforts, Gen Z, now comprising the majority of students, and Gen Alpha, soon to enter the educational arena, present unique challenges and opportunities shaped by their distinct technological and social environments.

Participants will engage with generational research, national datasets, and reflective activities to better understand the experiences and expectations of today’s health professions students. Through an interactive literature review and case-based discussions, attendees will critically assess intergenerational strains and develop practical strategies to enhance engagement, teaching, and learning across generations. The session will culminate in a novel framework designed to support faculty and staff in creating inclusive, impactful educational experiences for the next 25 years of health professions education.

By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with actionable insights and tools to foster effective intergenerational collaboration at their home institutions, ensuring that they are prepared for the dynamic future of health professions education.

Agenda & Methods

1. Introduction (5 min): Agenda, anonymous participant demographic Poll Everywhere, and shared expectations for confidentiality and respect
2. Generational Reference Points (5 min): Discuss the Pew Research Center’s recommendations for generational thinking
3. Generational Reference Point Self-assessment (5 min): Anonymous multiple choice Poll Everywhere about educational and life experiences during high school and higher education
4. Interactive Literature Review (30 min): Overview of the four majority generations in health professions education (Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z) and future students (Gen Alpha). Aggregate self-assessment data (collected in #3) will be interspersed to juxtapose participants with national- and medical student-level Gen Z datasets and stimulate reflection
5. Problem-solving exercise (25 min): Participants will be guided through our six critical areas of reflection for rethinking intergenerational issues at home institutions, and then apply the framework in small groups to solve provided case-based problems. The provided cases will be developed based on an optional needs-based survey sent to the participants before the session
6. Large group debrief (15 min): Participants will report their case-based discussions and reflections
7. Closing (5 min): Final Q&A, distribution of Gen Z and Gen Alpha literature and resources.