Surviving to Thriving in Medical School - a Quality Improvement Endeavour

Abstract

Aim: Transitioning from medical school to clinical practice as a junior doctor poses significant challenges. This quality improvement project aimed to address gaps in preparedness and core training application success through a structured teaching series. Method(s): Over two months, a teaching series of five one-hour sessions was conducted in a hybrid format. Topics covered: 1) Introduction to Medical School-focusing on early orientation and skills for academic success. 2) Foundation Training and Core Training Applications-detailing the application process and strategies for portfolio development. 3) Maximising Clinical Placements-emphasising practical skills, communication, and making the most of learning opportunities. 4) Prescribing for Beginners-introducing safe prescribing practices and common pitfalls. 5) Day in the Life of an FY1-providing insights into ward rounds, task prioritization, and escalation protocols. 6) Sessions were designed to be interactive, featuring case discussions, Q&A segments, and practical scenarios. A total of 125 students, including international participants, attended. Feedback was gathered via pre- and post-session surveys to assess confidence, knowledge, and satisfaction. Result(s): Quantitative survey results demonstrated a significant increase in confidence and knowledge of subject being taught. Qualitative results demonstrated students appreciated interactive scenarios, practical insights, and detailed application guidance. They expressed a preference for in-person sessions, particularly for skills-based topics like prescribing and clinical task management. Conclusion(s): The teaching series significantly improved students' confidence in readiness for clinical practice and applications. Targeted, practical, and interactive interventions address critical gaps in medical education. Future iterations will emphasise in-person teaching for hands-on skills while maintaining virtual accessibility for broader participation.