Asset-Based and Narrative-Oriented Medical Education for Rural and Urban Underserved Practice

This essay describes a medical education program model that is place-focused, asset-driven, project-based and narratively oriented. The author discusses the various ways this model can frame programming in undergraduate medical education and foster resilience for rural and urban underserved practice. Medical students preparing for practice in rural or urban underserved communities engage with communities from an asset-based perspective, by learning in communities and with community members. Medical students participate in longitudinal small group experiences which employ narrative pedagogy to build relationships through vulnerability with each other, with faculty, and with community members. In the proposed model, scholarly projects are community-responsive and reflect a commitment to local residents. Student voices are integrated through the essay to provide insight into the impact this model can have in medical education.