JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

As new technologies and innovations are integrated into medical practice, there is an increasing need for physicians-in-training to gain greater exposure to and develop a deeper understanding of innovation and technology (I&T) throughout their medical training.

Objective:

Identify and describe curricular and extracurricular opportunities for innovation in medical technology (I&T) in U.S. medical education to highlight insights for future directions and program development.

Methods:

A scoping exercise of U.S. allopathic medical schools was conducted. Data collection consisted of a review of publicly available information for each medical school as well as survey responses from student organizations across the country.

Results:

103 I&T opportunities at 69 distinct LCME-accredited medical schools were identified and characterized into six categories: (a) integrative 4-year curriculum, (b) facilitated MD/MS in related field, (c) interdisciplinary collaboration, (d) area of concentration, (e) preclinical elective, and (f) student-run club. “Starting and running a business in healthcare” and “medical devices” were the most popular thematic focuses of student-led I&T groups.

Conclusions:

Existing school-led and student-driven opportunities in medical innovation and technology indicate a growing interest and reflect educational challenges. Greater visibility of opportunities, collaboration between schools, and development of a centralized network can be considered to better educate and prepare students for the changing landscape of medical practice.