SC Connecticut News

Medical students transitioning from classroom to clerkships often face challenges due to limited preparation materials. In response to this issue, researchers from Yale introduced a student-led Internal Medicine clerkship orientation bootcamp and survival guide to enhance student confidence before clerkships.

According to the study published in SMJ, the bootcamp covered essential topics such as clerkship logistics, clinical information gathering and presentation, and effective teamwork in a medical setting. Students who participated in the program reported significant benefits, particularly in understanding clinical presentations and the expectations for their contributions to the medical team.

The unique aspect of this bootcamp was its peer-led approach, with medical students and residents taking the lead in guiding their peers. This approach not only improved clerkship preparation but also fostered a supportive learning environment among the participants. As a result of its success, the bootcamp has now been integrated into mandatory clerkship training at the institution.

The researchers behind the study, Ramakrishnan, D., Ilagan-Ying, Y. C., Bollinger, B., & Dunne, D., highlighted the significance of this peer-led initiative in enhancing medical student preparation for clerkships. Furthermore, plans are underway to expand the content of the bootcamp to other specialties such as surgery and obstetrics/gynecology, aiming to provide comprehensive preparation for students across different medical disciplines.