Number
535
Name
An Innovative Approach to Engage Medical Students in Academic Medicine
Date & Time
Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location Name
Oglethorpe Ballroom
Speakers
Authors
Henna Iqbal, Mercer University School of Medicine
Iuliia Zhuravlova, Mercer University School of Medicine
Bonny Dickinson, Mercer University School of Medicine
Edward Klatt, Mercer University School of Medicine
Gretchen Bentz, Mercer University School of Medicine
Presentation Topic(s)
Other
Description
PURPOSE
Most medical students are unaware of careers in academic medicine during
training. To address this gap, Mercer University School of Medicine launched
an extracurricular, certificate-granting program to introduce medical
students to careers in academic medicine.
METHODS
In 2021, we developed a flexible Distinction in Academic Medicine program
that students can begin and complete at any point during medical school. The
program includes hands-on teaching experiences and workshops in teaching and
learning, curriculum development, mentoring, medical education
scholarship/research, and academic administration/leadership. Students write
a series of reflective essays and compile a summative portfolio that includes
a curriculum vitae and teaching philosophy statement. Students meeting all
requirements receive a certificate in academic medicine training upon
graduation from the MD program.
RESULTS
Since launch, 45 students have completed at least one or more teaching and
learning assignments. Four students have graduated from the program, with
three additional graduates anticipated in 2026. Program completion
demonstrates a strong commitment to an academic career and provides a
valuable credential for residency applications.
CONCLUSIONS
This program aims to prepare students to serve as effective peer and
patient educators, particularly in rural communities. It offers a replicable
model for other schools seeking to establish similar programs.
Most medical students are unaware of careers in academic medicine during
training. To address this gap, Mercer University School of Medicine launched
an extracurricular, certificate-granting program to introduce medical
students to careers in academic medicine.
METHODS
In 2021, we developed a flexible Distinction in Academic Medicine program
that students can begin and complete at any point during medical school. The
program includes hands-on teaching experiences and workshops in teaching and
learning, curriculum development, mentoring, medical education
scholarship/research, and academic administration/leadership. Students write
a series of reflective essays and compile a summative portfolio that includes
a curriculum vitae and teaching philosophy statement. Students meeting all
requirements receive a certificate in academic medicine training upon
graduation from the MD program.
RESULTS
Since launch, 45 students have completed at least one or more teaching and
learning assignments. Four students have graduated from the program, with
three additional graduates anticipated in 2026. Program completion
demonstrates a strong commitment to an academic career and provides a
valuable credential for residency applications.
CONCLUSIONS
This program aims to prepare students to serve as effective peer and
patient educators, particularly in rural communities. It offers a replicable
model for other schools seeking to establish similar programs.