Opportunities Across Medical Education
Enrollment of residents and fellows with specialized tracks has been emphasized recently. Expansion of the Augustine program to include up to seven students annually would provide the resources to include additional physician trainees. Our institution has also explored the development of a multi-week elective medical clerkship to take place during the third or fourth year of medical school. The clerkship would focus on the medical device innovation process with the goal of educating medical students that may not be able to participate in the Augustine program. Studies on the outcomes of joint engineering-medical school and innovation programs will need to be conducted to assess the relative strengths and weaknesses of various education models.
Write large, medical education must continue to prioritize innovation and transdisciplinary experiences in line with positions from national organizations. Our experience has demonstrated that there may not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Medical programs should consider the implementation of a spectrum of innovation opportunities from longitudinal seminars and clerkships to year-long immersive experiences consistent with the Augustine program. Maximizing benefit from innovation programs would likely correspond with empowering physician trainees to pursue opportunities that align with career goals. Otherwise, medical education risks overlooking individuals that may have interests in innovation.