Teaching Students to Transform: The Health Innovations Scholars Program 6 Years Later

Am J Med Qual. 2021 Jul-Aug;36(4):277-280. doi: 10.1177/1062860620961168.

Abstract

Training in leadership and health system transformation is increasingly important in undergraduate medical education in order to develop a pipeline of engaged physicians dedicated to transforming health care. Despite this growing need, it is unclear whether current leadership training methods have long-term impact on students' career trajectory. The authors analyzed career outcomes from 6 years of the Health Innovations Scholars Program (HISP) to better understand how the program affected the 46 graduates' future involvement in health system transformation and leadership. Eighty-eight percent of the graduates remained involved in quality improvement, 70% held leadership positions, 31% participated in health innovation, and 15% participated in patient safety initiatives. Project involvement of the graduates represented both primary and secondary catalysts for health system change, leading to 28 unique catalyst events. HISP is a model for directing trainees' career trajectory toward engagement in health system leadership and redesign.

MeSH terms

  • Curriculum
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate*
  • Humans
  • Leadership*
  • Quality Improvement
  • Students